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Endocrine System

The Endocrine System in animals manages chemical coordination through hormones, which are secreted by ductless glands and travel through the bloodstream to target organs. Hormone release is regulated by feedback mechanisms to maintain homeostasis, with examples including insulin from the pancreas regulating blood sugar levels. Various glands produce specific hormones that perform essential functions, such as growth, metabolism, and reproductive processes.

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4 views2 pages

Endocrine System

The Endocrine System in animals manages chemical coordination through hormones, which are secreted by ductless glands and travel through the bloodstream to target organs. Hormone release is regulated by feedback mechanisms to maintain homeostasis, with examples including insulin from the pancreas regulating blood sugar levels. Various glands produce specific hormones that perform essential functions, such as growth, metabolism, and reproductive processes.

Uploaded by

prarthanaajith11
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

In animals, chemical coordination is managed by the Endocrine System.

This system relies on


hormones to regulate physiology, behavior, and maintain internal balance (homeostasis).

What are Hormones?


Hormones are chemical messengers secreted in trace amounts directly into the blood by ductless
glands (endocrine glands). They travel through the bloodstream to reach specific target organs where
they exert their effects.

Feedback Mechanism

The timing and exact amount of hormones released are strictly regulated by feedback mechanisms. This
ensures that hormones are only produced when needed and in the correct quantities.

Example: If blood sugar levels rise after a meal, this change is detected by the cells of the pancreas,
which respond by producing more insulin. As the blood sugar falls back to normal, insulin secretion is
automatically reduced.

Gland Hormone Primary Function Deficiency /


Secreted Disorder

Hypothalamus Releasing Regulates the secretion of hormones from the -


Hormones pituitary gland.

Thyroid Thyroxine Regulates carbohydrate, protein, and fat Goitre (swollen neck
metabolism for optimal growth. Requires iodine due to iodine
for synthesis. deficiency).

Pancreas Insulin Regulates and lowers blood sugar levels. Diabetes.

Adrenal Adrenaline Prepares the body for emergency situations -


("Fight or Flight"). Increases heart rate and
routes more blood to skeletal muscles.

Testes (Males) Testosterone Controls changes associated with puberty in -


males (secondary sexual characteristics) and
sperm formation.

Ovaries Oestrogen Controls changes associated with puberty in -


(Females) females and regulates the menstrual cycle.

1
Gland / Lobe Hormone Primary Function

Thyroid Calcitonin Lowers blood calcium levels. Inhibits bone breakdown.

Parathyroid Parathormone (PTH) Raises blood calcium levels. Stimulates calcium release
from bones.

Pituitary Growth Hormone (GH) Stimulates general body growth and cell reproduction.
(Anterior) (Deficiency: Dwarfism; Excess: Gigantism).

Thyroid Stimulating Stimulates the thyroid to synthesize and secrete thyroxine.


Hormone (TSH)

Adrenocorticotropic Stimulates the adrenal cortex to release stress hormones


Hormone (ACTH) (e.g., cortisol).

Follicle Stimulating Hormone Stimulates ovarian follicle development (females) and


(FSH) sperm production (males).

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Triggers ovulation (females); stimulates testosterone


production (males).

Prolactin (PRL) Stimulates mammary gland growth and milk production.

Pituitary Oxytocin Stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk


(Posterior) ejection.

Vasopressin (ADH) Promotes water reabsorption by kidneys, reducing urine


volume.

Pineal Gland Melatonin Regulates the 24-hour diurnal rhythm (sleep-wake cycle)
and influences body temperature.

Thymus Thymosins Develops the immune system (maturation of T-


lymphocytes). The gland shrinks as a person ages.

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