Lecture – 10

Hormone: A chemical substance produced by a gland, carried by the blood, which

alters the activity of one or more specific target organs and is then destroyed by the liver.

What are the differences between hormonal coordination and nervous

coordination?
Or, What are the differences between endocrine system and nervous
system?
Nervous system Endocrine system
Made up of neurones Made up of secretary cells
Information transmitted in the form of Information transmitted in the form
electrical impulses of chemicals called hormones
Impulses transmitted along nerve fibres Chemicals carried dissolved in the
(axons and dendrons) blood plasma
Impulses travel very quickly Chemicals travels more slowly
Effect of a nerve impulse usually only Effect of a hormone may last longer
lasts for a very short time

Gland Hormone Some functions of the hormones

Follicle stimulating hormone
(FSH)
Pituitary
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Stimulates egg development
Stimulates oestrogen production in females
Stimulates sperm production in males
Stimulates egg release (ovulation) in females
Stimulates testosterone production in males
Controls the water content of the body

Thyroid thyroxine Controls the body’s metabolic rate

Or, how fast chemical reactions take place in
cells
Insulin Lowers blood glucose
Pancreas
Glucagon Raises blood glucose
Adrenals adrenaline Prepares the body for physical activity
Testes Testosterone Controls the development of male secondary
sexual characteristics
Oestrogen Controls the development of female
Ovaries secondary sexual characteristics
Progesterone Regulates the menstrual cycle