Endocrine system

• The endocrine system is the system responsible for the transmission of chemical messages throughout the body. The chemical messengers are called hormones, and they are secreted by bodily structures called glands.
• Hormones control many bodily processes, including growth and development, and also coordinate the day-to-day responses to things like stress or arousal. 
• The thyroid gland releases thyroxine which is responsible for the regulation of our bodies metabolism.
• The adrenal gland releases adrenaline which is responsible for the fight or flight response
• The Ovaries releases oestrogen which is responsible for the regulation of the menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy
• The testes release testosterone which is responsible for male puberty and growth
• The pituitary gland is the MASTER GLAND
• The pituitary gland is sometimes known as the master gland because the hormones released by the pituitary gland control and stimulate the release of hormones from other glands in the endocrine system. The pituitary gland is also divided into the anterior (front) and posterior (rear) lobes (see right), which release different hormones.
• Endocrine system

  ·       Hormones are secreted by bodily structures called glands

  ·       Hormones control many bodily processes, including growth, development, and day-to-day responses to stress or arousal

  ·       Most hormonal processes are controlled through the hypothalamus, which links the nervous system with the endocrine system

  ·       The pituitary gland is the 'master gland' that releases hormones which travel through the bloodstream to activate other glands

  ·       Other important glands include the thyroid, adrenal glands, and the gonads (ovaries or testes)