Download The ENDOCRINE System

The ENDOCRINE System
What is the Endocrine System?
• A collection of glands that secrete
HORMONES into the bloodstream
How does the endocrine system
affect behavior?
• The endocrine system produces hormones that
interact with the nervous system to control
specific body organs and functions, such as
metabolism, growth rate, digestion, blood
pressure, sexual development, emotional
response, and stress responses
• For example, adrenal glands help you cope with
stress, thyroxin can make you sluggish or
nervous
Endocrine system function
• Because hormones travel in the bloodstream,
transmission of information is slower than the
neural impulses of the nervous system
• Signals that trigger release of hormones come
from the HYPOTHALAMUS
• The hypothalamus is the main link between the
endocrine and nervous systems
• The hypothalamus triggers the pituitary gland,
which then triggers the other glands
What are the major glands of the
endocrine system?
• Pituitary: growth hormone, prolactin,
oxytocin, endorphins
• Adrenals: epinephrine (adrenaline)
• Thyroid: thyroxin
• Pancreas: insulin
• Gonads (ovaries and testes): estrogen,
progesterone; testosterone
What is HOMEOSTASIS?
• Internal equilibrium
• Everything is in balance, hormones at the
right levels