Here’s a full note of **Chapter 10: The Endocrine System (ICSE Class 10 Biology)**
based on the ICSE syllabus:
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## **Chapter 10: The Endocrine System – The Regulators**
### **Introduction**
- The **endocrine system** consists of glands that secrete hormones.
- These glands are **ductless** and release hormones directly into the bloodstream.
- Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate physiological processes.
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### **Differences Between Nervous and Endocrine Systems**
| Feature | Nervous System | Endocrine System |
|--------|----------------|------------------|
| Mode of transmission | Electrical impulses | Chemical hormones |
| Speed of response | Fast | Slow |
| Duration of effect | Short-lived | Long-lasting |
| Type of response | Localized | Widespread |
| Involves | Nerves | Bloodstream |
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### **Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones**
1. **Pituitary Gland** ("Master Gland")
- Location: Base of the brain
- Controls other glands
- **Anterior lobe hormones:**
- **GH (Growth Hormone):** Body growth
- **TSH:** Stimulates thyroid
- **ACTH:** Stimulates adrenal cortex
- **FSH:** Stimulates production of ova/sperm
- **LH:** Stimulates ovulation/testosterone
- **Prolactin:** Milk production
- **Posterior lobe hormones:**
- **Oxytocin:** Uterine contraction, milk ejection
- **ADH (Vasopressin):** Water reabsorption in kidneys
2. **Thyroid Gland**
- Location: Neck
- Hormone: **Thyroxine (T4)**
- Function: Regulates metabolism
- Requires iodine
- Disorders:
- **Hypothyroidism:** Cretinism (children), Myxoedema (adults)
- **Hyperthyroidism:** Exophthalmic goitre
3. **Parathyroid Glands**
- Four small glands on thyroid
- Hormone: **Parathormone**
- Function: Regulates calcium and phosphorus in blood
4. **Adrenal Glands**
- Location: On kidneys
- Two parts:
- **Adrenal Cortex:**
- Hormones: Cortisol, Aldosterone
- Function: Metabolism, stress response, salt-water balance
- **Adrenal Medulla:**
- Hormones: Adrenaline, Noradrenaline
- Function: Fight or flight response
5. **Pancreas (Both endocrine and exocrine)**
- **Endocrine part: Islets of Langerhans**
- **Alpha cells:** Glucagon – increases blood sugar
- **Beta cells:** Insulin – decreases blood sugar
- Disorders:
- **Diabetes mellitus:** Lack of insulin
- **Hypoglycemia:** Low blood sugar due to excess insulin
6. **Gonads (Sex Glands)**
- **Testes (in males):** Testosterone – male secondary sexual characteristics
- **Ovaries (in females):**
- **Oestrogen:** Female secondary sexual characteristics
- **Progesterone:** Prepares uterus for pregnancy
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### **Feedback Mechanism**
- A self-regulating system.
- **Negative feedback**: When hormone levels are too high, secretion is stopped.
- Example: High thyroxine inhibits TSH secretion from pituitary.
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### **Importance of Hormonal Balance**
- Imbalance leads to diseases.
- Hormones work in very small quantities.
- Must be balanced for normal growth, development, and metabolism.
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### **Comparison: Exocrine vs Endocrine Glands**
| Feature | Exocrine Glands | Endocrine Glands |
|--------|------------------|------------------|
| Ducts | Have ducts | Ductless |
| Secretion | Enzymes, mucus | Hormones |
| Secretion released to | Body surface/cavity | Bloodstream |
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### **Common Disorders**
| Disorder | Cause | Effect |
|---------|-------|--------|
| Gigantism | Excess GH in childhood | Abnormal growth |
| Dwarfism | Lack of GH | Stunted growth |
| Diabetes | Lack of insulin | High blood sugar |
| Goitre | Iodine deficiency | Enlarged thyroid |
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### **Key Terms**
- **Hormone:** Chemical messenger
- **Target organ:** Organ affected by a specific hormone
- **Ductless gland:** Gland without ducts
- **Feedback loop:** System of self-regulation
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