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The Endocrine System

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The endocrine system works as a system of glands

in the body to regulate internal bodily processes.
These glands secrete hormones that maintain
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homeostasis, growth and development, metabolism,

reproduction, and responses to stress and/ or
injuries.
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Hormone Solubility
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Lipid soluble hormones

enter the target cell
through the membrane
and enter the nucleus
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where it alters the gene

expression by producing
proteins that alter the
cell’s activity.
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Water soluble hormones

work by binding to the
cell membrane which
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causes a number of
What are Glands? chemical reactions
inside the cell which
Glands are what make the endocrine system
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work and they are strategically placed result in certain proteins

around the body to regulate and control being produced that alter
body processes. the cell’s activity.
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Glands and their Functions
Hypothalamus: The portion of the brain
that maintains the body’s internal
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balance and is the link between the

endocrine and nervous systems.
Pineal: The pineal gland secretes a
single hormone, melatonin, which
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controls the body’s circadian rhythm.

Pituitary: AKA the “master gland,” which
controls the functions of other
endocrine glands.
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Thyroid: The thyroid’s role in the

endocrine system is to regulate your
metabolism, which is the body’s ability
to break down food and convert it to
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energy.
Parathyroid: The parathyroid hormone
regulates the body’s calcium levels.
Thymus: The thymus gland will help the
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body protect itself against

autoimmunity, which occurs when the
immune system turns against itself.
Adrenal: This gland produces hormones
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that are vital to life, such as cortisol and

aldosterone.
Pancreas: The pancreas maintains the
body’s blood glucose balance.
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Ovaries: The ovaries maintain the health

of the female reproductive system
Testes: The testes are a pair of sperm-
producing organs that maintain the
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health of the male reproductive system.

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