Download Endocrine Glands

Endocrine Glands
Pituitary gland: releases human growth hormone which regulates body growth; releases other
hormones that control most of the other endocrine glands; controlled by the brain (hypothalamus)
Thyroid gland: releases the hormone thyroxin which regulates the body’s metabolism and activity
level (how fast it breaks down food for energy); requires the element iodine to make thyroxin
Thymus: releases hormones that help the body’s immune system (fight infection)
Ovaries: release the hormone estrogen which control puberty in females (breast development, hips
widening, etc.) and causes the release of eggs from the ovaries; also produces progesterone which helps
with the release of eggs from ovaries
Pancreas: releases the hormones insulin and glucagon; insulin controls the removal of glucose from the
blood, and glucagon controls the increase of glucose in the blood
Adrenal glands: produce the hormone adrenaline (epinephrine) which allows the body to respond to
emergency/dangerous situations (increased heart rate, more air-flow, and brief bursts of energy in
muscles)
Parathyroid glands: produce a hormone that regulates the amount of calcium in the blood; too much or
too little calcium disrupts the functions of nerves and muscles
Testes: release the hormone testosterone which controls puberty in boys (facial and body hair,
deepening voice, etc.) and causes sperm production to begin
Hormones
Human Growth Hormone: controls the growth rate of human bodies; produced by the pituitary
Thyroxin: controls the metabolic rate of humans; helps maintain internal body temperatures; requires
iodine to be produced by the thyroid gland; also found in small quantities in males
Estrogen: sex hormone that controls puberty in females (breast development, hips widening, etc.) and
causes the release of eggs from the ovaries
Progesterone: female sex hormone that works together with estrogen to cause the release of eggs from
the ovaries
Insulin: hormone produced by the pancreas which reduces the amount of glucose (blood sugar) in the
blood after a meal
Glucagon: hormone produce by the pancreas which increases the amount of glucose (blood sugar) in the
blood when you have gone without eating for a while
Adrenaline (Epinephrine): hormone produced by the adrenal glands which allows the body to respond
to emergency situations (increased heart rate, more air-flow, and brief bursts of energy in muscles
Testosterone: sex hormone which controls puberty in boys (facial and body hair, deepening voice, etc.)
and causes sperm production to begin; also found in small quantities in females; contributes to
aggressive behavior
Endocrine Gland Locations
Station #1
1. This female did not have enough iodine in her diet, which caused a
growth in this woman’s neck is called a goiter. What endocrine
gland is responsible for creating a goiter?
Explain why this is the correct answer.
Station #2
2. This person has a condition called dwarfism. What hormonal
problem can cause this condition?
Explain why this is the correct answer.
Station #3
3. Nadya Suleman (a.k.a. The Octomom) underwent fertility
treatments in which she received injections of a hormone that caused
her to ovulate (release) multiple eggs at one time. What hormone
was in the fertility injections?
Explain why this is the correct answer.
Station # 4
This lady grew to be 7 feet, 7 inches because of a tumor that
developed in one of her endocrine glands. In which endocrine gland
was the tumor located?
Explain why this is the correct answer.
Station # 5
The woman above recorded a blood sugar (glucose) level of 400 (this
is very high)! Based on this information, what organ in the endocrine
system is not functioning properly?
Explain why this is the correct answer.
Station # 6
The skydivers in the picture love to participate in dangerous activities
(like skydiving, bungee jumping, mountain biking, white water
rafting, etc.) because it triggers the “stress response” and they feed
off of the “rush” they get when doing the activity. What hormone is
being released that gives them this feeling?
Explain why this is the correct answer.
Station #7
Addie Jones Elliot is a woman who had a visible beard and had a
long career in the circus. What hormone is being overproduced in
her body that could be responsible for the hair growth on Addie’s
face?
Explain why this is the correct answer.
Station #8
Gynecomastia is breast development that occurs in males. This
condition causes men to abnormally develop breasts. Some males
choose to live with the disorder; however there are some that opt for
surgery. What hormone could be responsible for this abnormal
development?
Explain why this is the correct answer.
Station #9
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which a person has very low levels of
glucose in the blood (blood sugar) after they skip a meal. Those who
suffer from this condition need to eat every few hours to maintain
correct glucose levels. What hormone is not working in people who
have hypoglycemia?
Explain why this is the correct answer.
Station #10
Neutering is a process in which a veterinarian will remove one of the
endocrine glands from male dogs/other pets. When male dogs are
neutered it lowers their aggression level. Which endocrine gland is
removed when a dog is neutered?
Explain why this is the correct answer.
Station #11
This man has a condition in which one of his endocrine glands is
overactive, resulting in high levels of calcium in the blood and urine.
High levels of calcium can cause muscle, joint, and bone
pain/aches/weakness (especially in the legs). Which endocrine gland
is overactive?
Explain why this is the correct answer.
Station #12
This little boy has SCID, often referred to as “bubble boy disease.”
Throughout his young life he has already had to deal with the onset
of one or more serious infections that is often life threatening. He is
extremely vulnerable to infectious disease and has to remain in a
sterile environment at all times. What endocrine gland is not
functioning correctly?
Explain why this is the correct answer.
Name________________________________________ Period____ Teacher_____________________
Endocrine System Gallery Walk
In this activity you will be presented with 12 situations in which there is a problem or issue with the
endocrine system of a living organism. It is your job as an endocrinologist (a doctor specialized in the
endocrine system and hormones) to diagnose the problem and explain why your diagnosis is correct at
each station.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Station #1
Answer:
Explain:
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Station #2
Answer:
Explain:
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Station #3
Answer:
Explain:
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Station #4
Answer:
Explain:
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Station #5
Answer:
Explain:
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Station #6
Answer:
Explain:
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Station #7
Answer:
Explain:
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Station #8
Answer:
Explain:
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Station #9
Answer:
Explain:
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Station #10
Answer:
Explain:
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Station #11
Answer:
Explain:
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Station #12
Answer:
Explain:
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Analysis Questions
1. How are the nervous and endocrine systems connected?
2. How does the endocrine system affect the reproductive system?
3. What are some changes in the human body that are controlled by the endocrine system?
4. How do hormones get from one part of the body to the other?