Endocrine System
Functions of the endocrine system
• Regulates the effects of hormones on
the body functions.
• Controls growth, development
metabolism and maintaining
homeostasis.
• Works closely with the nervous
system. Nerve impulses direct the
secretion of hormones.
Hormones
• The chemical regulators
of the body that have a
particular effect on the
growth or function of a
body part.
• Hormones are secreted
by glands, groups of
cells that manufacture
secretions and store
them until triggered to
release them.
• Glands also produce
other substances such
as sweat and oils which
are not hormones.
Types of Glands
• Exocrine glands: secrete substances through a
duct into a body cavity or onto the skin’s surface.
– Examples: sweat glands and mammary glands
(THESE ARE NOT PART OF THE ENDOCRINE
SYSTEM)
Types of Glands
• Endocrine glands: secrete hormones in small amounts
directly into the bloodstream.
• Specific hormones effect specific body parts.
• They travel through the bloodstream until they reach their
target cells (they cell that the hormone acts on)
• Hormones do NOT affect other cells other than the target
cells.
Hormones & Functions
• Insulin: produced by the pancreas and
regulates the amount of glucose in the
blood.
• Growth hormone: secreted by the
pituitary gland in the brain, controls body
growth and activities of other glands.
• Adrenaline: secreted by adrenal glands,
responds to stress (fight or flight
response)
• Thyroxin: secreted by thyroid gland,
responsible for metabolism
Hormones & Functions
• Parathyroid gland: regulates the
amount of calcium in the blood.
• Hypothalamus: maintains body
temperature, sleeping, eating, and
balancing water
• Ovaries & Testes: secrete
reproductive hormones.