Download endocrine system webquest

Name _______________________________________
Date __________
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM WEBQUEST
Background:
The endocrine system is a complex network of glands, hormones and receptors. It provides the key communication and
control link between the nervous system and bodily functions such as reproduction, immunity, metabolism and behavior.
In nearly all complex multicellular animals, there are two main systems controlling and coordinating the processes within the
body:


The nervous system, which exerts rapid point-to-point control by means of electrical signals passing down the nerves
to particular organs or tissues.
The endocrine system, which is a slower system based on chemical messengers, the hormones, which are secreted
into the blood (or other extracellular fluids) and can reach all parts of the body.
The nervous system works in tandem with the endocrine system to control all bodily functions and processes.
Your mission: Become familiar with the endocrine system, how it relates to the nervous system and the result of this
interaction on the body.
PART 1: The Glands and their Associated Hormones
Link: http://www.livescience.com/40386-endocrine-system-surprising-facts.html
1. Label the following 9 Endocrine glands
2. Now complete this table of all the hormones and their functions
Link: http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/endocrine.html#
Hormone
Gland
Function
3. Test Yourself: Study the chart above. Then try not to look at it and go to Drag and Drop Matching and complete
the tutorial for the Endocrine System to test your memory!
Link: http://www.zerobio.com/drag_oa/endo.htm
PART 2:
4. Use the information in the following link to answer the questions below.
Link: https://www.visiblebody.com/blog/endocrine-system-hypothalamus-and-pituitary
a. Which gland is the link between the nervous system and the endocrine system?
b. What is the endocrine function of the hypothalamus?
c.
The site compares the hypothalamus’s relationship to the pituitary gland as that of a big sister to a little
sister. When I think of the interplay between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, it reminds me of
The Wizard of Oz in the scene below:
i. Place the words hypothalamus and pituitary in the correct boxes below:
ii. Why did you answer the way you did in the pictures above?
d. Read about the pituitary gland. How is the pituitary gland like the substance below:
e. What two hormones are produced from the neurons that extend into the posterior pituitary?
f.
Why is ADH known as a vasopressin (“vaso” = refers to blood vessel)?
g. Complete the following table:
Releasing Hormone
TRH
FSH and LH
Gland effected
Thyroid
Prolactin Release/Inhibit
Hormone
GH
ACTH
Mammary glands
MSH
Physiologic Response/Purpose
Release of estrogen in females and
testosterone in males; gamete
production; egg release and production of
testosterone
Throughout body
-
Release of cortisol to increase levels of
glucose in the blood during times of
stress
Release of melatonin in the dark
(responds to seasonal changes)
PART 3: Chemical Signaling Mechanisms
5. Using the link below, complete the Venn Diagram below to compare Neural vs. Endocrine Signaling. Be sure you
click the “play button” and read. Pick the narrated option.
Link: http://sites.sinauer.com/neuroscience5e/animations07.01.html
Neural Signaling
Endocrine Signaling
Joe’s Reaction: Fight or Flight??
The Endocrine System
Go to http://sepuplhs.org/middle/texas7/simulations/endocrine5.html (link on my webpage) and put on your mature
caps.
Go inside the body, and list what each gland controls:
Pineal
Hypothalamus
pituitary
thyroid
parathryoid
Adrenal
pancreas
testes
ovaries
When done, click ‘outside the body’ and then ‘next’ and then ‘inside the body’ as needed on each page…
What 2 glands respond when Joe is scared? _____________________________________ and
____________________________________________________
2.
Why does Joe feel as if he has a burst of energy as he runs away? Because his
_____________________ gland continues to produce and _____________________________
adrenaline into his blood. This mobilizes Joe’s _____________________________________ and
increases their ability to _____________________________________________________.
3.
When the stress stops, Joes feels safe, so his _________________________________gland now
produces ________________________________. This hormone activates an
______________________________ response, and his body returns to normal.
4.
This type of encounter demonstrates how the body’s systems maintain
____________________________________after a stressful external stimulus.
5.
What type of feedback loop is exhibited here? ____________________________ Is this
typically how glands in the endocrine system operate? _______________
1.