2 - The Endocrine System

• The Endocrine System

  • This works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body through the actions of HORMONES.
• The Endocrine System - the effects of it vs nervous system

  • It works more SLOWLY than the nervous system (seconds insead of miliseconds) but has WIDESPREAD & POWERFUL effects
• What are glands?

  • Glands are organs in the body that produce hormones which are secreted into the bloodstream and affect and cell that has the receptor for that hormone.
• Hormones = just chemical
• Where are all the glands in the body?

  Where are all the glands in the body?

  A) ?

  B) ?

  C) ?

  D) ?

  E) ?

  F) ?

  G) ?

  H) ?

  I) ?

  
• Pituitary Gland

  • A major endocrine gland - known as the 'Master gland' BECAUSE it controls the release of hormones from all other glands in the body
  • Located in brain
  • Releases hormones like: LH, FSH, Growth hormone
  • Different hormones do different functions = LH&FSH is reproduction allowing release & growth of eggs in females, Growth hormone is growth for growing
• Pineal Gland

  • Releases hormones like: Melatonin
  • Which is needed in metabolism
  • It regulates sleep/wake cycle
  • Located in brain
• Thyroid Gland

  • Releases hormones like: Thyroxine
  • Which is needed for metabolism
  • This regulates weight loss/gain (amongst other things)
  • Located in neck
• Thymus Gland

  • Releases hormones like: Thymosin
  • Needed for growth
  • Involved in the production of t-cells which help to protect body in immune system
  • Located in chest
• Adrenal Gland

  • Releases hormones like: adrenaline
  • Needed for metabolism
  • To increase & regulation of visceral function
  • Found on top of Kidney
• Pancreatic Gland

  • Releases hormones like: Insulin
  • Which is needed for metabolism
  • It regulates blood sugar level
  • Pancreas
• Ovaries

  • Releases hormones like: Oestrogen
  • Which is needed in reproduction or growth or metabolism
  • It helps to regulate the menstrual cycle
• Testes


  • Releases hormones like: Testosterone
  • Involved in reproduction and growth
  • It helps in the development of male characteristics
• Hormones?

  • Hormones are secreted in the bloodstream and affect any cell in the body that has a receptor for that particular hormone
  • JUST CHEMICAL
  • SLOW REACTING
  • AFFECT LARGE AREA