ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

 It is a network of glands across the body that secrete chemical messages called Hormones.
 The Endocrine System works alongside the nervous system. Instead of using nerves (sensory
and motor neurons) to transmit information, Endocrine System uses blood vessels (arteries,
veins and capillaries) to transport hormones throughout the body.
 Essential in regulating growth and development, metabolism, as well as reproductive
processes and mood.

Hormones = chemicals that are secreted into the bloodstream by endocrine

glands.
= When hormones reach the target organ, it produces a notable
effect.
= The word ‘hormone’ comes from the Greek word ‘hormao’ which
means ‘excite’, as hormones excite (stimulate) a particular part of
the body.

Hormonal Imbalance = If the organ and hormones do not produce the regulated amount of
chemicals to your body.

Hypothalamus = the master switchboard. A part of the brain that controls the
endocrine system. The hypothalamus gathers information sensed by
the brain and sends it to the pituitary gland.
= It regulates the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
= Controls bodily functions such as sleep, appetite & hunger.

Gland Location Hormones Function

Pituitary Gland At the base of Oxytocin, Growth Stimulates growth, and controls the
(small, pea-sized the brain Hormone, Prolactin, functions of other glands
gland) Luteinizing Hormone
(LH), Follicle Stimulating
Hormone (FSH)

 Oxytocin – hormone
for childbirth (uterine
contraction)

 Prolactin – hormone
for mammals to
produce milk

 Luteinizing Hormone
(LH) - stimulates
ovulation
(maturation of
follicles)

 Follicle-Stimulating
Hormone (FSH) -
stimulates the
development of
follicles into egg cells

Thyroid Gland Below the voice Thyroxin, Calcitonin Regulates body metabolism, and causes
(butterfly-shaped box storage of calcium in bones
gland in the neck)
 Thyroxin – regulates
metabolism, body
temperature & heart
rate
  Calcitonin – lowers
calcium levels in the
blood

Parathyroid Gland In the neck Parathyromone Controls the calcium levels in your body,
(four small glands in and normalizes bone growth
the neck behind
thyroid gland)
 Parathyromone –
increases calcium
levels in the blood,
stores calcium in the
bones.

Thymus Gland In front of the Thymosin Enables the body to produce certain
(pyramid-shaped, heart antibodies
soft gland)
 Thymosin – helps
develop and mature
immune cells
Most active
in childhood
and turns
into fat
tissue in late
adulthood

Pancreas Gland Between the Insulin, Glucagon Regulates blood sugar levels
(tapered, elongated kidneys
gland in the  Insulin – decreases
abdomen) blood sugar levels

 Glucose – increases
blood sugar levels
 Reproductive
Testes (Male) Lower Androgen, testosterone Control maturation and male
abdomen characteristics
 Androgen –
regulates male
sexual Influence female traits, and support
development & reproductive function
reproduction

 Testosterone –
development of
male sex
characteristics

Ovaries Lower
(Female) abdomen Estrogen, Progesterone

 Estrogen - hormone
facilitates
endometrial growth,
ovulation, calcium
absorption and
secondary female
characteristics

 Progesterone -
hormone facilitates
the re-growth of
endometrium and
inhibition of FSH and
LH in female
reproductive system

Adrenal Gland On top of the Adrenaline, Prepares the body for action, controls
(small, triangular kidneys Aldosterone, Cortisol the heart rate and breathing in times of
shaped organs) emergency

 Adrenaline
(epinephrine)
Increases heart rate
and blood flow
 Aldosterone – helps
the body maintain
salt and water
balance