Endocrine
System
The Endocrine System
consists of:
Glands
that secrete
Hormones
Hormones
Are chemical messengers
released into the bloodstream.
(They control many body
activities)
Gland
An
organ or a group
of cells that secretes
hormones.
Pituitary Gland
 The gland that controls other glands.
(The Master Gland)
 It controls growth of bones and
movement of smooth muscles.
 Found in the brain
Thyroid Gland
 Produces THYROXIN –
a hormone that controls
METABOLISM.
(Metabolism is the rate at which
food is converted to energy in
cells).
 Found in the neck
Thyroxin
Too Little Causes:
* Low Metabolism
* Tired
* Gain Weight
Too Much Causes
* High Metabolism,
* Feel Restless
* Lose Weight
Parathyroid Gland
 Are four glands that control the amount of
calcium and phosphorus in the body.
 When these glands are over active, calcium
leaves the bones & enters the blood causing
muscle weakness.
 Found in the neck
Adrenal Glands
 Two glands that control the body’s water
balance
 Help in the digestive process
 Secrete adrenaline
Adrenaline – prepares the body to react
under stress or in an emergency.
 Found next to the kidneys
Pancreas
 A gland that controls blood sugar levels.
 Releases a hormone called INSULIN which
helps regulate blood sugar levels.
(part of the digestive system. Found behind the
stomach)
Ovaries
 Two female
reproductive glands
that produce egg cells
& estrogen.
Estrogen
 The female sex hormone that
controls development of secondary
sex characteristics during puberty.
Puberty
 The stage of growth and development
when secondary sex characteristics
appear.
 Females between ages 8 – 15
 Males between ages 12 - 15
Testes
 Two male
reproductive
glands that
produce sperm
cells &
testosterone.
Testosterone
 The male sex hormone that controls the
development of the secondary sex
characteristics during puberty.