Endocrine system

• Endocrine system

  To provide a chemical system of communication via the blood stream.

  This supplements the work of the nervous system and occurs through glands secreting hormones
• Testosterone 


  Produced by the testes

  Causes development of male characteristics and maintenance of muscle strength and sperm production
• Thyroxine

  Produced by thyroid gland and affects various cells including heart cells to increase heart rate and can even influence our metabolic rate which affects growth rates.
• Pineal gland 


  Converts the neurotransmitter serotonin into melatonin when it’s dark so that we feel sleepy.

  Involved in the sleep and wake cycle

  Located in the brain
• Pituitary gland

  Known as the master gland.

  Controls release of hormones from all other endocrine glands.

  Secretes LH and FSH
• Pancreas

  Releases insulin and controls the body’s glucose levels
• Adrenal gland

  Located near the kidneys

  Releases adrenaline

  Involved in body’s stress response as seen in fight or flight response

  Cause physiological arousal and increases heart rate
• Ovaries

  Releases oestrogen and progesterone

  Involved in regulating the menstrual cycle
• The endocrine system works along side the nervous system to control vital functions in the body.

  Endocrine system acts much more slowly than the nervous system but has very widespread and powerful effects