Download The Endocrine System

L. R. & S. M. VISSANJI ACADEMY
SECONDARY SECTION - 2016-17
BIOLOGY - GRADE: VIII
The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is made up of a network of ductless glands.
These glands secrete hormones to regulate many bodily functions, including growth
and metabolism.
Endocrine diseases are common and usually occur when glands produce an incorrect
amount of hormones.
Simply put, the endocrine system is a network of ductless glands that secrete
chemicals called hormones to help your body function properly. Hormones are
chemical signals that coordinate a range of bodily functions.
The endocrine system works to regulate certain internal processes. Endocrine glands
secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
The endocrine system helps control the following processes and systems:
Growth and development
Homeostasis (the internal salt water balance of body systems)
Metabolism (body energy levels)
Reproduction
Response to stimuli (stress and/or injury)
The Endocrine Network
The endocrine system completes these tasks through its network of glands, which are
small but highly important organs that produce, store, and secrete hormones.
The glands of the endocrine system are:
 Pituitary Gland
 Thyroid
 Parathyroid
 Adrenal
 Pancreas
 Ovaries and Testes
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Pituitary Gland is also called as the master gland because it releases hormones that
control many other glands.
Growth hormone released by the pituitary gland influences the growth of the human
body.
Thyroid gland secretes a hormone called thyroxine.
The triangle shaped glands which are located on top of each kidney are called adrenal
glands.
Each adrenal gland is made of two parts: adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex.
Adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline or epinephrine which is also called as the
emergency hormone.
Adrenal cortex releases a hormone called cortisone.
The pancreas has a small cluster of hormone producing cells called Islets of
Langerhans which produces two antagonistic hormones, insulin and glucagon.