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