Download Aim: How does the Endocrine System work in our body?

Aim: How does the Endocrine
System work in our body?
The Endocrine System
FUNCTIONS:
- Maintains stable body function
(homeostasis)
- Responds to changes
- Collection of glands that produce
hormones
- Control processes that happen slowly
(nervous system controls those that
happen quickly)
What are glands?
- Tissues found throughout your body
- Produce chemical messages
HORMONES
- speed up or slow down cellular activities
- Glands release their hormone directly into the
blood  transports to target tissue
FUNCTIONS:
- Regulate internal environment
- Adapt to stressful situations
- Growth & development
Types of Glands:
• Pituitary
– Located in the brain
– Growth and reproduction
– ‘master’ gland
– Hypothalamus
• controls the pituitary gland
• Specialized cells located in brain that link the
endocrine system with the nervous system
• Thyroid
– Located below the larynx
– Regulates metabolism and bone growth
Important Hormones
Androgens
-
Testosterone – male reproductive hormone
Estrogen – female reproductive hormone
Insulin/ Glucagon
-
Work together to maintain stable levels of blood sugar
Insulin- released when levels of blood sugar are high
Glucagon- causes the liver to release stored glucose
from cells into the body when glucose is low
What does the endocrine system
do????
• Hormone secreted  travels to ‘target’ cell
– Each have a specific receptor
•
Negative Feedback System
– Controls the amount of hormones in your
body- adjusts hormone levels automatically
–
Example:
STIMULUS- eating a sandwich
1. Intestine takes in glucose
• Glucose in bloodstream increases
• Glucose detected by insulin from pancreas
• Pancreas responds by producing more insulin
• Insulin released  liver takes up glucose
• Glucose level decreases (body consumes glucose)
• Homeostasis restored