BIOLOGY CHAPTER 7-CHEMICAL COORDINATION An organ in the human or animal body that secretes particular chemical substances for

use in the body or for discharge into the surroundings. Types of glands Endocrine- glands that secrete hormones or other products directly into the blood Exocrine - glands that secrete their products through ducts opening onto an epithelium rather than directly into the bloodstream. Difference between nervous system and endocrine system Endocrine system works by hormones transmitted through the bloodstream -Hormones travel more slowly and generally take longer to act -Response is usually longer lasting -Hormones can have widespread effects on different organs Nervous system Works by nerve impulses transmitted through nerve cells -Nerve impulses travel fast and usually have an instant effect -Response is usually short lived -Impulses act on individual cells such as muscle fiber. Adrenals The adrenals are a pair of glands situated like caps one above each kidney. The adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline which, Increases heartbeat accompanied by an increase in the blood pressure. Increases blood supply to the muscles while decreasing blood supply to the visceral organs. Releases more glucose into the blood from the liver.

To maintain sugar levels Glucagon. It stimulates breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver, leading to rise in the blood sugar level. Insulin. It performs two principal tasks; -Promotes glucose utilization by the body cells. -Stimulates deposition of extra glucose in the blood as glycogen in the liver. Non-secretion or under secretion of insulin causes diabetes mellitus (hyperglycemia, meaning more than normal sugar in blood. A diabetic person, -Has higher glucose in blood; -Excretes a great deal of urine loaded with sugar; -Feels thirsty because of loss of water through too much urination; -Loses weight and becomes weak. In some cases, the patient even loses the eyesight.