Human endocrine system

• Name of the body’s coordination system which involves hormones

  Endocrine system
• Hormone


  • chemical messenger secreted by a gland
  • travels in the blood to a target organ, where it causes a response
• Which gland controls many other glands in the body?

  Pituitary gland
• Why is the pituitary gland considered a master gland?

  secretes a wide range of hormones, some of which may stimulate other endocrine glands
• Role of pituitary gland in the endocrine system

  • secretes HGH - controls human growth
  • stimulates the thyroid gland
  • stimulates ovulation and production of oestrogen in the ovaries
  • stimulates the production of sperm and testosterone in the testes
• Role of thyroid gland in the endocrine system

  secretes thyroxine - controls metabolism, heart rate and body temperature
• Role of pancreas in the endocrine system

  secretes insulin - controls blood glucose levels
• role of adrenal gland in the endocrine system

  secretes adrenaline - controls the body’s fight or flight response and is secreted during times of stress
• role of ovaries in the endocrine system

  secretes oestrogen which coordinates the menstrual cycle and the development of female secondary sexual characteristics
• Role of testes in the endocrine system

  secrete testosterone which coordinates the production of sperm and the development of male secondary sexual characteristics