CHAPTER 7
Hormone Regulations in the Human Body
7.1 Endocrine Glands and Hormones
The process of releasing synthesized matter
by the cells is called secretion
The tissues or organs that are made of
secreting cells are called glands
Glands that release their secretions through
ducts(tubes) are called exocrine glands.
(e.g: salivary glands, gastric glands,
intestinal glands, sweat glands.
Some glands do not have ducts are called
endocrine glands(e.g: testes, ovaries).
Their secretions go right into the capillaries
around the cells, and are carried by the blood
to all parts of the body.
The endocrine system is formed from the
different endocrine glands in the human
body.
Endocrine glands in the Human Endocrine System
Hormones are chemical substances which are
secreted by ductless glands to regulate the
body’s metabolism, development and growth.
A very small amount of hormones can
regulate various types of activities in the
body.
Over or under secretion of hormones causes
certain deficiency diseases.
Different endocrine glands secrete different
hormones
Pituitary gland
Secretes growth hormones that control
human growth and development.
Also known as the “master gland ”
• Largest endocrine gland in
the human body.
• Secrete thyroxine.
• Promote interchange of
matter and energy in the
body.
• Increase the sensitivity of
the nervous system.
• Secrete adrenaline.
• Increases rhythm of heartbeat.
• Dilates blood vessels leading to the muscles.
Secrete insulin.
Promotes the storage of
absorbed glucose in the liver and muscles.
Lower the concentration of blood sugar.
Secrete female and male sex hormone.
Promote the growth and development of
reproductive cells.
Stimulate and maintain human secondary sex
characteristics
The pituitary gland is located at the base of
the brain.
Secrete several hormones to regulate the
metabolism, growth and development of the
human body
Regulates the activities of the other endocrine
glands.
Secrete growth hormone that regulates the
growth and development of the human body.
Over-secretion of growth hormone:
Gigantism ( more than 260 cm)
Under-secretion of growth hormone:
Dwarfism ( not taller than 100 cm )
Gigantism
Dwarfism
In adulthood, hyper secretion of growth hormone
causes acromegaly, in which extremities( end part) such
as the finger, toes, nose and neck, as well as some
internal organs become exceptionally long and large.
Thyroid gland is largest endocrine gland in the
human body.
It is situated at the two sides of the front neck,
throat and trachea.
shaped like butterfly
Secretes thyroxine
To regulate growth and development
To promote metabolism
To speed up oxidative decomposition of body
substances
To increase the sensitivity of the nervous system
Deficiency of thyroxine in early childhood
causes cretinism.
Retarded mental, physical ( dwarfism) and
sexual development
cretinism
Deficiency of thyroxine in adults
slow metabolism
low body temperature
bloated body
lifeless facial expression
low heartbeat and breathing rate
decreased mental ability
Excessive thyroxine secretion
Hyperthyroidism
• fast metabolism
• Mass loss
• Increase appetite
• Emotional
• Insomnia
• Forgetfulness
• Highly sensitive nervous system
• Raised heartbeat and breathing rate
• Excessive oxidation decomposition of
body substances
The synthesis of thyroxine requires iodine.
Deficiency of iodine:
thyroid gland swell and endemic goitre.
• swollen neck
• difficulty in breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• shortage of breath after physical activities
Endemic goitre
Glucose is the main source of energy for the living
cells in the human body.
The glucose in the blood of a human body is called
blood sugar
The digestion of starch produces glucose, which
becomes blood sugar once it enters the blood.
Figure Reading
When the glucose content in the blood rises, the
secretion of insulin increases so that the glucose
content can reduce.
When the glucose content in the blood drops, the
secretion of insulin decreases so that the glucose
content can be maintained at a normal level.
Pancreatic gland in the human body can be
divided into the exocrine and endocrine
parts.
The endocrine part is made of patches of
cells called the islets of Langerhans that
secrete insulin.
to speed up the decomposition of blood
sugar
to promote the conversion of glucose into
glycogen to be stored in the liver and the
muscle
What measure should be done to keep the
blood sugar level constant if there is
insufficient insulin secretion?
Insufficient insulin secretion, the
concentration of blood sugar will increase
conspicuously. The blood sugar will be
excreted with the urine, forming a condition
called diabetes mellitus(糖尿病).