WCHS Mr. Alasti HBS Human Body Systems 2.2 Everything Endocrine

Endocrine System

The glands and parts of glands that produce endocrine secretions, which help to integrate and control body functions

What do the endocrine and nervous systems ultimately control?

Communication

Hormones

Proteins that carry messages between organs and cells and are responsible for your body’s energy level, growth and development, mood, and sleep

What kind of signals does the endocrine system use to regulate body functioning?

Chemical signals, or hormones

How do the endocrine and nervous systems relate?

The nervous system sometimes controls the release of hormones from endocrine glands, while the hormones that endocrine glands release can influence behavior and emotions through their actions on the nervous system

What structures secrete hormones?

Tissue structures called glands

Glands

Organs located throughout the body that produce and release substances such as hormones, digestive juices, tears, sweat, saliva, or milk

What are the two main types of glands?

Exocrine and endocrine

Exocrine Glands

Secrete substances through openings or ducts onto your body surfaces (ex, sweat glands)

Endocrine Glands

Secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to reach their targets

Insulin

A protein hormone secreted by the pancreas, and it is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and the regulation of blood glucose levels

Glucagon

A hormone secreted by the pancreatic endocrine cells that raises blood glucose levels; an antagonistic hormone to insulin

Ovaries

Secrete sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are involved in puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy

Testes

Secrete sex hormones called androgens, including testosterone, which play a role in puberty and sperm production

Hypothalamus

Links the nervous and endocrine systems and controls the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland

Pituitary Gland

Secretes hormones that signal the reproductive organs to make sex hormones; controls ovulation and the menstrual cycle

Testosterone

Builds bone and muscle mass, controls body hair growth, and the development of reproductive tissue; made in the testes and ovaries

Estrogen

Plays a role in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, sperm development, and bone health; made in the ovaries, testes, adrenal glands, and fat cells

Progesterone

Plays a role in menstruation, pregnancy, and testosterone production; made in the ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands

Reproductive Endocrinologists

Gynecologists with special training, who focus on reproductive health and fertility

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists

Sometimes include endocrinologists who focus on endocrine-related issues during pregnancy and with developing babies

Pediatric Endocrinologists

Pediatricians with special training who focus on growth, puberty, and other hormonal conditions that affect children

Endocrine Disruptors

Substances that interfere with hormones and the endocrine system

List possible endocrine disruptors

BPA, phyoestrogens, phthalates, and triclosan