THE ENDOCRINE

SYSTEM
 OBJECTIVES
Explain what the endocrine system is.

Identify the main glands in the endocrine system, their locations and hormones

Outline the normal and abnormal functioning of the hormones

Compare and contrast the endocrine system to the nervous system

 THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

What do you know about hormones?

Give the name of hormones that you know?

What are the functions of these hormones?

What do you want to know about hormones?

 THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by glands in
the body, and they travel through the bloodstream to different parts
of the body to control various functions. They act like signals that tell
specific organs or tissues what to do. For example, hormones can
regulate growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Hormones are a part of the endocrine system. The endocrine system

is made up of ductless endocrine glands.
 THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the blood to
regulate and coordinate various physiological processes throughout
the body.

The endocrine system includes several major glands, such as the

pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, and gonads
(ovaries and testes). These glands produce hormones in response to
internal and external stimuli, such as changes in blood sugar levels,
stress, and the menstrual cycle.
LOCATION OF THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS
 THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS
Gland Location Major Hormones Secreted Function
Pituitary The base Growth Hormone (GH) Stimulates growth
Gland of the Antidiuretic Hormone Water- balance hormone. This
(master cerebrum (ADH) affects the kidney and controls
gland) the amount of water returned to
the blood.
Too much causes gigantism,
too little causes dwarfism.
Follicle Stimulating In females FSH controls the
Hormone (FSH) development of eggs in the
ovaries. Stimulates the
production of oestrogen. In
males stimulates the testes to
produce testosterone
Thyroid Stimulating Stimulates the thyroid to
Hormone (TSH) produce thyroxine
 THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS
Gland Location Major Function
Hormones
Secreted
Thyroid In the neck in Thyroxine Controls physical growth, mental
front of the growth and metabolic rate.
trachea
Too little infancy cause
cretinism: retarded physical and
mental development.

Too little in adults: low

metabolic rate, sluggishness,
obesity.
Too much in adults: high
metabolic rate, weight loss,
overactivity, fast heart beat
 THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS
Gland Location Major Function
Hormones
Secreted
Pancrea Below the Insulin Released when blood sugar
s stomach level rises. Stimulates the liver
(Islets of and muscle cells to convert
Langerh glucose into glycogen.
ans) Stimulates body cells to absorb
glucose for respiration.

To little causes diabetes

 THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS
Gland Location Major Function
Hormones
Secreted
Adrenal On top of Adrenalin (flight, Released in large amounts
glands the fright or fight when frightened, excited or
kidneys hormones) anxious. Speeds up
metabolism, mainly
respiration by increasing
blood sugar level, heart
beat, breathing rate, blood
supply to muscles. Gives
feelings of fear
 THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS
Gland Location Major Function
Hormones
Secreted
Testes In the Testosterone Controls development of
scrotal male reproductive organs
sac and male secondary sexual
characteristics: deep voice,
facial and pubic hair,
muscles
 THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS
Gland Location Major Function
Hormones
Secreted
Ovaries Near the Oestrogen Controls development of
oviducts female reproductive organs
and female secondary
sexual characteristics:
pubic hair, mammary
glands, broad pelvis.
Controls ovulation.
Stimulates thickening of the
uterus lining. Controls
 THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS
Gland Location Major Function
Hormones
Secreted
Ovaries Near the Progesterone Secreted after ovulation to
oviducts maintain a thickened uterus
lining.
 THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS

Gland Location Major Function

Hormones
Secreted
Ovaries Near the Progesterone Secreted after ovulation to
oviducts maintain a thickened uterus
lining.
COMPARING THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM TO THE
NERVOUS SYSTEM
 ENDOCRINE VS NERVOUS SYSTEM
Both the endocrine and the nervous systems are involved in responding to changes in the environment,
but their mechanisms for doing so differ. Below is a table showing the differences between the endocrine
and nervous systems.

Endocrine System Nervous System

Function Regulate body functions Controls body functions
using hormones using electrical signals

Communicatio Chemical signals Electrical signals transmitted

n (hormones) released into through neurons
the bloodstream
Speed Slow response time Fast response time
 ENDOCRINE VS NERVOUS SYSTEM
Endocrine System Nervous System
Regulation Maintains balance and Controls immediate
long-term changes responses

Target cells Acts on specific cells with Acts on adjacent neurones,

receptors muscles, or glands

Control Controlled by feedback Controlled by brain and

loops spinal cord

Examples of Pituitary gland, thyroid Brain, spinal cord, nerves

Glands/Organ gland, adrenal glands
s
 ENDOCRINE VS NERVOUS SYSTEM
Endocrine System Nervous System
Response Long-lasting effects Short-term effects
Duration

Adaptation Long-term adaptations to Short-term adaptations to

conditions immediate conditions
 REVIEW
Do this quick quiz to review what was covered on the endocrine system

1.What is the main function of the endocrine 3. Which of the following is a gland of the
system? endocrine system?

a) To control voluntary movements a) Lungs

b) To regulate body functions using hormones b) Liver
c) To transmit electricals c) Thyroid

2. The endocrine system communicate with 4. What is the role of hormones in the
the body? endocrine system?

a) Through electrical impulses a) To regulate growth and development

b) By releasing hormones into the b) To maintain balance and homeostasis
bloodstream c) To control voluntary muscle movements
c) By using neurotransmitters to transmit
signals throughout the body
 REVIEW
Do this quick quiz to review what was covered on the endocrine system

5. Which gland is often referred to as the 7. What is the function of the thyroid gland
"master gland"?
a) Regulating metabolism and energy levels
a) Adrenal gland b) Controlling blood sugar levels
b) Pituitary gland c) Producing adrenaline in response to stress
c) Pancreas
8. What disorder is caused by a deficiency of
6. What is the function of the thyroid gland? insulin production?

a) Regulating metabolism and energy levels a) Diabetes mellitus

b) Controlling blood sugar levels b) Hypothyroidism
c) Producing adrenaline in response to c) Cushing's syndrome
stress
 REVIEW
Do this quick quiz to review what was covered on the endocrine system

9. How does the endocrine system's response

time compare to the nervous system?

a) Endocrine system has faster response

time
b) Nervous system has faster response time
c) Both systems have similar response times

How does the endocrine system regulate

growth and development?
a) By releasing growth hormones
b) By controlling neuronal connections
c) By transmitting electrical impulses
 ANSWERS

1.b) To regulate body functions using

hormones
2.b) By releasing hormones into the
bloodstream
3.c) Thyroid
4.b) To maintain balance and homeostasis
5.b) Pituitary gland
6.a) Regulating metabolism and energy levels
7.a) Diabetes mellitus
8.a) Brain
9.b) Nervous system has faster response time
10.a) By releasing growth hormones