The endocrine system

What does the endocrine system use?

• hormones to influence our body and behaviour

• these hormones travel through the blood stream and other bodily fluids to influence us

What is a function of the endocrine system?

• to secrete the hormones which are required to regulate many bodily functions

What is a hormone?

A chemical messenger that circulates in the blood and controls how cells/organs influence behaviour or mood

What is a gland?

How to hormones travel?

a group of cells which is specialised to secrete a useful substance

hormones diffuse into the bloodstream and travel through the body.

hormones will only bind to receptors which are specified to that hormone

hormone trigger a response in target cells

Outline the pancreas

• located behind stomach

• related to glucose and insulin

• converts glucose to cellular energy

Outline the pituitary gland

• located in cranial cavity, connected to hypothalamus

• is in charge of all the glands

• regulates the endocrine system, works on a negative feedback loop

Outline the pineal gland

• located in brain

• related to melatonin

• regulates arousal, bio-rhythms, sleep wake cycle

Outline the adrenal medulla (inner)

• located above kidneys

• related to adrenaline, noradrenaline

• regulates forf, hr, bp, release of stored glucose and fat (conversion of glycogen into glucose)

Outline the adrenal cortex (outer)

• located above kidneys

• related to glucocorticoids e.g. cortisol and cortisone

• release of glucose and fats for energy expenditure and support of immune system and inflammatory response. Water and sodium reabsorption in kidneys

Outline testes

Testes

• location: testicles

• related to androgens e.g testosterone

• regulates make secondary sex characteristics at puberty, muscle mass and growth, sperm production

Outline ovaries

• Located in pelvis

• Related to oestrogens e.g. progesterone

• regulates egg production, female reproduction system, menstruation cycle and pregnancy

Outline thyroid

• Located in throat/ neck

• related to thyroxine

• regulates metabolic rate, protein synthesis and brain development