Download Endocrine System

ENDOCRINE
SYSTEM
By Trinitee N.
WHAT DOES THIS SYSTEM
DO?
This system controls many of the biochemical
pathways that occur in your body. The core tool
used by the endocrine system is a compound called
a hormone. Your body uses dozens of hormones to
regulate your growth, digestion, body temperature,
and glucose metabolism. A hormone released by an
endocrine gland can travel throughout the body and
change the activity of cells from many other
systems. The endocrine system is also unique in that
it uses glands and cells within organs that are all
closely related to other systems
The Functions
There are 8 major functions
in the Endocrine system
• hypothalamus
• pituitary gland
• thyroid
• parathyroid
• adrenal glands
• pineal body
• reproductive glands (which
include the ovaries and
testes)
• pancreas
Hypothalamus
A region of the forebrain below the
thalamus that coordinates both the
autonomic nervous system and the activity
of the pituitary, controlling body
temperature, thirst, hunger, and other
homeostatic systems, and involved in sleep
and emotional activity.
Pituitary Gland
The major endocrine gland. A pea-sized body
attached to the base of the brain, the pituitary
is important in controlling growth and
development and the functioning of the other
endocrine glands.
Thyroid
A large ductless gland in the
neck that secretes hormones
regulating growth and
development through the
rate of metabolism.
Parathyroid
A gland next to the thyroid
that secretes a hormone (
parathyroid hormone ) that
regulates calcium levels in a
person's body.
Adrenal glands
Adrenal glands are a type of endocrine gland
that are triangle-shaped and located on top
of the kidneys. The outer part of the adrenal
glands is known as the cortex and releases
hormones including testosterone and
cortisol.
Pineal body
a pea-sized conical mass of tissue
behind the third ventricle of the
brain, secreting a hormone like
substance in some mammals.
Reproductive glands
The gonad is the organ that makes
gametes. The gonads in males are the
testes, and the gonads in females are the
ovaries. The product, gametes, are
haploid germ cells. For example,
spermatozoon and egg cells are gametes.
Pancreas
A large gland behind the stomach that
secretes digestive enzymes into the
duodenum. Embedded in the
pancreas are the islets of Langerhans,
which secrete into the blood the
hormones insulin and glucagon.
What system does the Endocrine system work with?
The circulatory system is the transport system for endocrine
information. While the nervous system uses neurons, the
endocrine chemicals and hormones must circulate through
the body via blood vessels.
Many glands in your body secrete hormones into the blood.
You have a pituitary gland in the base of your skull that
releases hormones that control blood pressure and your
excretory system. You have a thyroid gland in your neck that
controls your bone growth rate and metabolism. You even
have a tiny little adrenal gland above your kidneys that
releases adrenalin if you get excited. Endocrine glands are
everywhere.
Work sited page
• dictionary.reference.
com
• kidshealth.org