WEEK LESSON: Endocrine System
organ to respond by increasing or
I. Endocrine System decreasing the release of their
A. Functions hormones.
Metabolism II. The Glands
⮚ Regulates the rate of metabolism,
the sum of chemical changes that
occur on tissues.
Reproduction
⮚ It controls the development and
functions of the reproductive
system.
Sugar and Mineral Homeostasis
⮚ It maintains optimal amount of
sugar and other nutrients in the
body.
Heart Rate
⮚ Regulates heart rate and blood
pressure of the body in preparation
for physical activities.
Digestion
⮚ It regulates the satiety (fullness) Hypothalamus
and the breakdown of food into ⮚ Connects the nervous system to
individual nutrients. the endocrine system.
⮚ Commands the pituitary gland to
B. Process start or stop the production of
hormones.
Pituitary Gland
⮚ A gland about the size of a pea and
is considered to be the master
gland.
⮚ Releases hormones which controls
many other glands in the body.
Pineal Gland
⮚ The hormone it produces is
responsible for the sleep-wake
cycle.
The endocrine system secretes a water
soluble hormone to the bloodstream to Thyroid Glands
be delivered to the target ⮚ Produces hormones for
cell/tissue/organ thus triggering such metabolism.
Parathyroid Glands
⮚ Controls calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
Thymus
⮚ Helps in the function of the immune system.
Adrenals
⮚ Glands found superior of each kidney.
⮚ Their hormones aid in the processes of metabolism and sexual functions.
Pancreas
⮚ Helps in digestion and maintenance of optimal sugar levels.
Ovaries
⮚ Supports female reproductive functions during puberty.
Testes
⮚ Supports male reproductive functions during puberty.
III. The Glands, their Hormones, Target Organ, and Reponses
Glands Hormones Target Organ Responses of the
Target Organs
Hypothalamus Corticotropin-releasing Pituitary Gland Release of
Hormone Adrenocorticotropic
Hormone.
Thyrotropin-releasing Pituitary Gland Release of Thyroid-
Hormone. stimulating Hormone
Gonadotropin-releasing Pituitary Gland Produces important
Hormone reproductive
hormones.
Oxytocin Pituitary Gland Controls important
behaviors, emotions,
sexual arousals,
trust, recognition
and maternal
behavior.
Vasopressin or Pituitary Gland Regulates water
Antidiuretic Hormone levels in the body
Somatostatin Pituitary Gland Inhibits the
production of
hormones by the
pituitary gland.
Pituitary Gland Prolactin Mammary Release of
Glands breastfeeding milk.
Luteinizing Hormones Reproductive Manages important
Organs reproductive
hormones.
Pineal Gland Melatonin Some brain Preparation for the
areas body to sleep.
Manages circadian
rhythm.
Thyroid Gland Thyroid Hormones Most Cells of the Aids in metabolic
Body processes.
Parathyroid Gland Parathyroid Hormone Bones Controls the level of
calcium and
phosphorus
necessary for bone
health.
Thymus Thymosin Immune System Promotes the
development of T-
lymphocytes that
fight infections.
Adrenals Epinephrine Heart, Lungs, “Fight or Flight”
(Adrenaline) Liver among Response.
others
Corticosteroids Most Tissues Affect the
metabolism and
Sexual Function
Pancreas Insulin Liver Decrease the sugar
level of the blood
Glucagon Liver Increase the sugar
level of the blood.
Ovaries Estrogen and Most Tissues Help develop
Progesterone breasts at puberty,
regulate menstrual
cycle, and support
pregnancy.
Testes Testosterone Most Tissues Grows facial hair
and body hair at
puberty. Promotes
the enlargement of
the penis and
production of sperm
cells.