The Endocrine System

• define the endocrine system

  - collection of glands around the body that regulate bodily functions, growth and psychological factors

  - acts by releasing chemical messengers called hormones into the blood
• describe the function of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus

  - pituitary gland: the master gland; hormone (ACTH) controls the release of hormones from other glands

  - hypothalamus: hormone (CRH) links the nervous system to the endocrine system
• describe the function of the pineal gland and thyroid gland

  - pineal gland: hormone (melatonin) modulates sleep pattern, keeping the body to day/night rhythm

  - thyroid glad: hormone (thyroxine) modulation metabolism; rate of energy use in the body
• describe the function of the thymus gland and pancreas

  - thymus gland: hormone (thymosin) stimulates the development of T cells in the immune system

  - pancreas: hormone (insulin) regulates blood sugar levels
• describe the function of the adrenal glands and ovaries

  - adrenal glands: hormone (adrenaline) regulates the effects of the fight or flight response

  - ovaries: hormone (oestrogen) develops secondary sexual characteristics in females
• describe the function of the testicles

  - testicles: hormone (testosterone) leads to the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males