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Endocrine System
Griffin, Julia, Addison, Marissa
Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a group of glands that produces hormones that regulate
metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, reproduction, sleep, and
mood.
The main function is to remove material from the to be distributed to other parts of
the body. It works similar to a feedback system, like a thermostat.
Definition of hormone: A hormone is a chemical produced by the body
that regulates certain cells and organs.
Parts of the System
The major parts of the endocrine system is made up of the pituiary gland,
thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, the ovaries, and
testicles.
● The pituiary gland is one of the most important
parts of the endocrine system because it
produces hormones that control other
endocrine glands. It is located at the base of
the brain.
● The thyroid gland is positioned at the lowerfront part of the neck and produces thyroid
hormones that regulate metabolism.
Parts of the System (cont.)
The parathyroid glands are a pair of glands that are
located next to the thyroid gland to control bone
metabolism and calcium levels.
The adrenal glands produce corticosteroids and
catecholamines. Corticosteroids balances the levels
of salt and water in the body while catecholamines
help the deal with physical or emotional stress by
controlling heart rate and blood pressure.
The pancreas has both digestive and hormonal functions, including digesting
food and controlling insulin and glucagon levels. The pancreas is located
behind the stomach.
Parts of the System - Sexual Organs
Testes produce hormones called androgens which is an important factor in
producing testosterone. These hormones affect male traits such as facial hair as
well as sperm.
Ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone as well as eggs. These hormones
affect female characteristics such as breast growth.
Role In Homeostasis
The Endocrine System produces hormones that are utilized by all body systems.
These hormones are a key role in maintaining homeostasis.
One part of the system, the thyroid produces two hormones that are responsible
for metabolism, or maintaining body temperature.
A negative feedback loop is used to maintain homeostasis: once a hormone is
at an optimal level, a signal is sent to various glands to stop the production of
hormones
If hormones are lacking, signals are sent to the same glands in order to
increase production
How The System Interacts With Other body systems
Digestive System-The pancreas (from endocrine system) produces the hormone
insulin which helps break down sugars
Circulatory System-The hormones created in Endocrine system are transported by
the circulatory system to deliver the hormones to the organs that require them
Nervous System-By producing hormones that are used by various organs around
the body, the hormones of the endocrine system affect nerves around the whole
body
Use Of Insulin In The Body
Insulin - A hormone produced in the pancreas which helps to regulate the amount
of sugar in our blood stream
The way insulin reacts or if it’s present in the body will cause a type of diabetes
depending on the condition
Insulin makes sure there is not too much sugar in the bloodstream and can
store sugar for later use if not necessary
Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body not being able to produce insulin
Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body being resistant to the insulin itself and
therefore it not having any effect on the body
Use Of Glucagon In The Body
Glucagon - A hormone produced in the pancreas that can break down glycogen to
make glucose
Glucagon can convert glycogen into glucose for use if the sugar in the
bloodstream is too low and needs more
If glucagon does not work properly it can cause what is called hypoglycemia
which is when there is not enough sugar in the bloodstream
Not having enough sugar in the bloodstream can cause someone to pass out
due to not having enough energy
How Glucagon And Insulin Work Together
Both Glucagon and Insulin help to regulate sugar in the bloodstream
If there is not enough sugar in the bloodstream, Glucagon will add more sugar
to the bloodstream and Insulin will make sure there is not too much released
If there is too much sugar in the bloodstream, Insulin will store more sugar in the
liver and Glucagon will help to make sure that the blood sugar levels do not
reach a level that is too low
If Glucagon does not work properly with Insulin this can cause side effects such
as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
Hypoglycemia is when there is not enough sugar in the bloodstream and
hyperglycemia is when there is too much sugar in the bloodstream
Diseases of the Endocrine System
•Type 1 & 2 Diabetes
•Osteoporosis
•Hypothyroidism
•Thyroid Cancer
•And more…
Which diseases will be covered
Type 2 Diabetes
Thyroid Cancer
What is Type 2 Diabetes
•Chronic condition
•Very common. 3 Million cases per year
•A problem with the body that causes glucose levels to rise higher than normal
•Causes the body to develop an insulin resistance
•Overtime the abnormal glucose levels can affect other major organs; eyes, nerves,
kidneys, and the heart
Thyroid Cancer
•Rare condition (fewer than 200,000 cases each year)
•Can be resolved within months if treated
•Affects the thyroid gland at the base of the neck
•Normally the hormones produced by the
Thyroid regulate digestion, heart rate, and body temperature
•With cancer affecting the thyroid gland, the build up of cancerous cells prevent the
thyroid from doing its job
•Can also spread to other nearby tissues and organs
•
Bibliography
http://www.livescience.com/26496-endocrine-system.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3783
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/anatomy_of_the_endocrine_system/page2_em.htm#hypothalamus
http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/type-1-diabetes/what-insulin
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucagon