The Endocrine System

• endocrine system

  a system which controls and co-ordinates hormonal communicaton
• hormones

  a chemical messenger
• hormones travel via the bloodstream
• organs that release hormones are glands and the pancreas
• the master gland is known as the pituitary gland
• differences between nervous & hormonal system

  • nervous is faster and hormonal is slower
  • nervous is short lasting and hormonal is longer lasting
  • electrical signals are in the nervous system and chemical signals are in the hormonal system
  • neurotransmitters are the chemicals involved in nervous system but in hormonal chemicals are involved in the glands
• the pituitary gland

  • secretes ADH and other hormones (FSH & LH)
  • regulates body conditions
  • found in the brain
  • known as the master gland
• thyroid gland

  • secretes thyroxine
  • controls rate of metabolism
  • found in the neck
• adrenal gland

  • secretes adrenaline
  • prepares body for fight of flight
  • found at the top of the kidneys
• the pancreas

  • secretes insulin
  • regulates blood glucose levels
  • found above the small intestine
• the ovaries

  • secretes oestrogen
  • involved in menstrual cycle etc.
  • also secretes progesterone for lining of the womb
  • found either side of uterus
• testes

  • secretes testosterone
  • controls puberty and sperm production
  • found in the groin