Name ______________________________________
Endocrine System Activity
Date _______
The Endocrine System
Read the passage below and use textual evidence from the reading to answer the questions.
(5)
(10)
(15)
(20)
(25)
(30)
The Endocrine System works with the nervous system to regulate all life processes. The endocrine system is made
up of a system of glands, which secrete hormones into the blood. Hormones are special proteins, which act as signals.
They bind to certain proteins called receptors, on target cells. The target cells wait for the message to tell them what to
do. The hormone then “tells” the cells in that tissue to do a certain thing, at a certain time.
For example, the pituitary gland, located near the lower part of the brain makes several hormones, including one
called human growth hormone (HGH). HGH tells muscle cells to grow, reproduce, or repair themselves. Dwarfism is a
disorder that occurs in children whose pituitary gland is not producing enough HGH. Gigantism occurs in children whose
pituitary gland is producing too much HGH.
The thyroid gland is located in ttheffront of the neck below the larynx.. One of the hormones release by the thyroid
is thyroxine. This hormone regulates metabolism. Too little thyroxine (hypothyroidism) causest tiredness, weight gain,
constipation, and sensitivity to cold.. Too much thyroxin (hyperthyroidism) causes weightl loss, anxiety,, diarrhea,, and
inability to tolerate heat.
The parathyroid glands are four small glands located on the thyroid. These glands release parathyroid hormone
which acts as a type of thermostat or regulator that controls the blood level of calcium. It is important to keep the blood
level of calcium under tight control because calcium is needed inside just about every cell in the body in order to keep
that cell functioning properly.
Another example is the pancreas, located in the digestive system, below the stomach. The pancreas controls the
level of glucose in the blood. It releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. Insulin causes the
blood glucose level to decrease. The pancreas also releases glucagon, which causes the glucose level to increase.
Diabetes is one common problem with the endocrine system. It occurs when a person's pancreas doesn't make enough
insulin.
The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. These glands play a role in regulating your body in times of
trouble, such as when you're sick or under stress. Adrenaline, one of the adrenal gland hormones, gives you the boost
you need if you're being chased by a wild animal — or even your brother! It speeds up the rate of certain body processes
such as heart rate.
The gonads of sex glands found in males and females. They are located in the pelvic area. The produce sex cells, or
gametes. The gonads in males are the testes and produce sperm cells. The gonads in females are the ovaries and they
produce egg cells. Gonads are also endocrine glands. The ovaries produce estrogen and the testes produce testosterone.
These two hormones regulate the development of secondary sex characteristics during puberty.
Questions:
1. Which gland releases human growth hormone?(5-6) __________________________________________
2. COLOR this gland RED and LABEL it on the diagram.
3. What is the FUNCTION of human growth hormone? (6)
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4. Which gland regulates or controls the body's metabolism? (10) _______________________________________
5. COLOR this gland BLUE and LABEL it on the diagram.
6. Which hormone is produced by this gland? (10) ____________________________________________________
7. Which glands regulate or control the levels of calcium in the blood? (14) ________________________________
8. Where are these glands found in the body? (13) _____________________________________________________
9. LABEL these glands on the diagram.
10. Which glands help increase the rate of certain body processes in times of stress? (25-26)___________________
11. Where are these glands found in the body? (23) ____________________________________________________
12. Which hormones are released by these glands? (24) _________________________________________________
13. COLOR these glands BLACK and LABEL them on the diagram.
14. Which gland regulates or controls blood glucose levels? (17 - 18) _____________________________________
15. Where is the pancreas found in the body? (17)______________________________________________________
16. What two hormones are released by this gland? (18) ________________________________________________
17. What is the FUNCTION of insulin? (18 - 19) _____________________________________________________
18. What is the FUNCTION of glucagon? (19) _______________________________________________________
19. COLOR this gland YELLOW and LABEL them on the diagram.
20. What is the name of the sex glands? (26) ________________________________________________
21. What is the name of the FEMALE sex glands? (27) ________________________________________________
22. What is the name of the MALE sex glands? (27) ________________________________________________
23. Which hormone is released by the female sex glands? (29) ___________________________________________
24. Which hormone is released by the male sex glands? (29) ____________________________________________
25. What is the FUNCTION of the male and female sex hormones? (30)
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26. COLOR the female sex glands GREEN and LABEL them on the diagram.
Conclusion Questions:
1. What is the function of the endocrine system? (1)
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2. What are hormones? How are moved to different places in the body? (2)
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3. What is one way the nervous system and the endocrine system is similar? (1)
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4. Explain one difference between the nervous system and the endocrine system. (Hint…Think about what chemical glands
produce and what chemical neurons produce)
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