Endocrine System

Functional Unit: Hormones

Function of Hormones
1. Integration of chemical energy from nerve
impulse
2. Regulation of growth of skeleton, the
muscles, and mental growth
3. Regulate the maturation of gonads and the
development of secondary sexual
characteristics
4. Homeostasis, or the maintenance of a
constant internal environment

Endocrine Glands

Testes

Pituitary Gland
Also known as the
master gland
Secretes growth
hormones
Oversecretion of the
growth hormones
lead to giantism,
while undersecretion
causes dwarfism

Adrenal Gland
Secretes
adrenalin or
epinephrine
which give extra
energy needed
during
emergency and
prolonged stress

Thyroid Gland
Secretes thyroxin hormone that
control basal metabolism
Oversecretion leads to
hyperthyrodism that is
characterized by increase
metabolism that make the
individual easily tired and
irritable
Undersecretion leads to
hypothyrodism that may arrest
physical and mental
development in children; in
adults, it slows down or retard
motor activities and speech

Islets of Langerhans
Secretes insulin, which
prevents the
accumulation of the
sugar in the blood
When the supply of
insulin is low, blood
sugar increases
Too much insulin
causes rapid utilization
of blood sugar resulting
in extreme weakness;
may cause the
individual to collapse

Testes
Testes

Testes

Secretes
testosterone for the
development of the
secondary sexual
characteristics at the
age of puberty and
for the production
and maintenance of
the accessory
organs for
reproduction

Ovaries
Secrete estrogen and
progesterone
Estrogen accelerates the
growth of uterus, vagina,
breast and pubic hair
Progesterone is for the
thickening of the uterine
wall in preparation for
pregnancy and childbirth