ENDOCRINE

SYSTEM

Hormones

Chemical messengers
Enter directly into the bloodstream
Regulate and integrate body functions
Play role in bodys metabolism and
growth

Endocrine Glands
Are ductless glands
Consists of cells that produce internal
secretions called hormones

How The Endocrine System

Works
Cells of endocrine glands secrete hormones
into the extracellular fluid
Hormones enter the capillaries through
diffusion and secrete directly into the
bloodstream (plasma part of the blood)
Through blood circulation, these hormones
can be distributed all over our body

The Endocrine Glands

Pituitary Gland
Pineal Gland
Thyroid Gland
Parathyroid Gland
Thymus
Adrenal Glands
Pancreas
Gonads

Pituitary Gland
Small gland about the size of a corn at the
base of the brain
Connected to the hypothalamus by a stalk
Master gland
Secretes hormones like Growth Hormone (GH)
& Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- GH Influences body size and growth
- TSH influences the thyroid gland to release
its thyroxine.

Pineal Gland
Pear-shaped structure at the back of
the base of the brain
Behind the junction of the spinal cord
and brain tissue
Smaller than a pea
SECRETES: MELATONIN
- influences the biological rhythm of an
organism.

Thyroid Gland
Large gland below the larynx at the
base of the neck
Regulation of metabolism related to
growth
Secretes: Thyroxine
- It influences the rate of metabolism
and physical development.

Parathyroid Glands
Four small glands at the back of the
thyroid gland
Secretes: Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Control and maintain plasma
concentration of calcium and
phosphorus

Thymus
Located above the heart and under the
breast bone
SECRETES: Thymosin that promotes
maturation of the immune system
Lymphocytes are also produced by this
gland
Vital in the defense against body
diseases

Adrenal Glands
Two glands located on top of each kidney
Two parts: adrenal cortex and medulla
Adrenal cortex SECRETES cortin, responsible for
the control of fat, carbohydrates, protein
metabolism
Medulla SECRETES epinephrine/adrenalin which
are the glands of emergency. The adrenaline is
released during emergency situations or when the
body is stressed.

Pancreas
Large gland located below and behind
the stomach
Consists of cells called ISLETS OF
LANGERHANS that SECRETE Insulin and
Glucagon
Insulin decreases blood sugar level
Glucagon increases blood sugar level

Gonads
Sex glands (Ovaries and Testes)
Control development of secondary sex
characteristics that change from
childhood to adulthood
Ovaries (located at the pelvis)
Secrete Estrogen and Progesterone

Testes (below the pelvis)

Secrete Testosterone