endocrine system & hormones

• Endocrine system


  The system in the body that is controlled by chemicals called hormones
• Endocrine system


  • Consists of a number of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
  • Hormones are carried in the bloodstream and act on specific target organs
• Key endocrine glands


  • Pancreas
  • Ovaries
  • Testes
  • Thyroid
  • Adrenal
  • Pituitary
• Pancreas


  Releases hormones involved in controlling glucose concentration in blood
• Ovaries and Testes


  Release hormones involved in puberty and reproduction
• Thyroid gland


  Produces hormones involved in growth and regulating basal metabolic rate
• Adrenal glands


  Release hormone adrenaline produced in times of fear or stress
• Pituitary gland


  Located in the brain, releases hormones that act on other glands to trigger a range of effects in the body, considered the 'master gland'
• The pituitary gland is extremely important in the endocrine system