ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

is a network of glands
that produces, and
releases hormones into
the bloodstream. These
hormones act as
chemical messengers,
helping regulate many
vital body functions
and processes to
maintain homeostasis.
Endocrine system regulation
- mechanisms by which the endocrine
system controls the production,
release, and action of hormones to
maintain balance (homeostasis) in the
body. This process ensures that the
body responds appropriately to
internal and external changes, such as
stress, growth needs, or metabolic
Cause / Trigger Hormone/Gland Effect/Response
Blood sugar rises after Cells take in glucose;
Insulin (Pancreas)
eating blood sugar decreases
Blood sugar drops Liver releases stored
(e.g., long hours Glucagon (Pancreas) glucose; blood sugar
without food) rises
Increases glucose in
blood; suppresses non-
Cortisol (Adrenal essential functions to
Long-term stress
glands) provide long-term
energy and maintain
stability under stress
Increased heart rate,
Stress, danger, or fear Adrenaline/Epinephrine faster breathing, more
Cause / Trigger Hormone/Gland Effect/Response
Calcium is released
from bones; kidneys
Low calcium level in Parathyroid Hormone
retain more calcium to
blood (PTH)
increase calcium
levels.
Stores calcium in
High calcium level in Calcitonin (Thyroid
bones; reduces
blood gland)
calcium levels in blood
Body produces more
Thyroxine (Thyroid
Low body temperature heat; metabolism
gland)
speeds up
Sweat glands Sweating and blood
High body
activated via vessel dilation occur to
temperature
hormones cool the body.
Cause / Trigger Hormone/Gland Effect/Response
Kidneys reabsorb
Dehydration or low ADH (Antidiuretic more water; urine
water level Hormone) (Pituitary) becomes concentrated
to conserve water.
Body becomes sleepy;
Melatonin (Pineal circadian rhythm
Darkness / Nighttime
gland) adjusts to regulate
sleep cycle.
Relaxation,
Feeling full after eating Leptin
satisfaction, comfort
Happiness, relaxation,
Intense exercise,
Endorphins reduced stress
laughter, dancing
(“runner’s high”)
Cause / Trigger Hormone/Gland Effect/Response
Increases alertness
Threat, conflict, or
Norepinephrine and attention, anxiety,
feeling unsafe
nervousness

Hormones High Secretion Low Secretion

Anxiety, irritability,
Cortisol (stress Fatigue, low motivation,
anger, feeling
hormone) emotional numbness
overwhelmed
Serotonin (mood Feeling overly calm or Depression, sadness,
stabilizer) sleepy (rare) mood swings, irritability
Lack of motivation,
Dopamine Overexcitement,
sadness, feeling
(pleasure & impulsivity, addiction-
“empty,” low pleasure
motivation) like behavior
(anhedonia)
Hormones High Secretion Low Secretion
Strong attachment,
Oxytocin (love and Loneliness, difficulty
trust, emotional
bonding) bonding, sadness
openness
Increased stress
Endorphins (natural Euphoria, very high
sensitivity, sadness,
painkiller) happiness
low pain tolerance
Estrogen (affects Anxiety, increased Sadness, low energy,
mood in females) emotional sensitivity depressive moods
Progesterone Calmness, drowsiness Anxiety, irritability
Low confidence,
Testosterone Aggression, irritability sadness, low
motivation
Stressful Situation (Fight-or-Flight Response)
Pituitary Gland, Adrenal Glands, Thyroid Gland, Pancreas
Function:
∙ The Pituitary Gland releases ACTH, which signals the
Adrenal Glands to release Adrenaline (epinephrine).
∙ Adrenaline prepares the body for a "fight-or-flight"
response by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and
releasing glucose from the liver.
∙ The Thyroid Gland releases T3 and T4 hormones, which
speed up metabolism, increasing energy production.
∙ The Pancreas releases glucagon to raise blood sugar
levels, providing energy for muscles to respond.
Growth and Development During Childhood
Pituitary Gland, Thyroid Gland
Function:
∙ The Pituitary Gland releases Growth Hormone (GH),
which stimulates growth in bones and muscles, helping a
child grow in height and develop stronger muscles.
∙ The Thyroid Gland releases T3 and T4, which help
regulate metabolism and provide the necessary energy
for the body to grow.
Regulation of Blood Sugar Levels After Eating
Pancreas
Function:
∙ After a meal, the Pancreas releases Insulin, which helps
cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream, lowering
blood sugar levels to normal.
∙ If blood sugar levels drop too low, the Pancreas releases
Glucagon, which signals the liver to release stored
glucose, raising blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Ovaries, Pituitary Gland, Uterus
Function:
∙ During pregnancy, the Ovaries release Estrogen and
Progesterone to prepare the uterus for implantation and
maintain the pregnancy.
∙ The Pituitary Gland produces Oxytocin, which stimulates
uterine contractions during labor and helps with milk
production after childbirth.
Sleep-Wake Cycle Regulation
Pineal Gland
Function:
∙ The Pineal Gland secretes Melatonin in response to
darkness, which signals the body to prepare for sleep.
∙ As light increases, the production of Melatonin
decreases, helping the body wake up and stay alert
during the day.
Calcium Regulation in the Body
Parathyroid Glands
Function:
∙ When blood calcium levels drop, the Parathyroid Glands
release Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), which stimulates the
release of calcium from bones, increases calcium
absorption from the intestines, and reduces calcium
excretion in urine to raise blood calcium levels back to
normal.
Response to Cold Temperatures
Thyroid Gland, Adrenal Glands
Function:
∙ In cold environments, the Thyroid Gland increases the
production of T3 and T4 hormones, which boost
metabolism and generate heat to warm the body.
∙ The Adrenal Glands may also release small amounts of
Adrenaline to help increase metabolic activity and
generate more body heat.
Maintaining Electrolyte Balance
Adrenal Glands (specifically the adrenal cortex)
∙ The Adrenal Glands release Aldosterone, a hormone that
helps regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body
by acting on the kidneys to increase sodium reabsorption
and potassium excretion, which helps maintain blood
pressure and fluid balance.
Stress and Immune Function
Adrenal Glands, Thymus, Pituitary Gland
Function:
∙ During stress, the Adrenal Glands release Cortisol, a hormone that helps manage stress by
regulating metabolism and suppressing inflammation.
∙ The Thymus helps produce Thymosin, which stimulates the development of T-cells,
essential for the immune system to fight infections.

The thymus gland gradually shrinks and becomes less active as we age. It is most active
during childhood and plays a critical role in the development of the immune system. The
thymus produces thymosin, a hormone that helps mature T-cells, which are essential for
immune function.

As we grow older, the thymus undergoes a process called involution, where it slowly
decreases in size and is replaced by fatty tissue. By adulthood, the thymus is much smaller,
and its function significantly diminishes. However, the thymus does not completely disappear.
While its role in immune system development declines with age, the T-cells it produced during
childhood continue to function throughout life, and the immune system remains active, though
it may be less efficient in responding to new infections.

Despite its shrinking, the thymus still plays a small role in maintaining immune function even in
older adults.
Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following hormones is primarily

responsible for regulating blood sugar levels in the
body?
A) Insulin
B) Adrenaline
C) Estrogen
D) Thyroxine

2. The thyroid gland releases hormones that primarily

affect:
A) Growth and development
B) Immune function
C) Metabolism and energy production
1. Which of the following hormones is primarily
responsible for regulating blood sugar levels in the
body?
A) Insulin
B) Adrenaline
C) Estrogen
D) Thyroxine

2. The thyroid gland releases hormones that primarily

affect:
A) Growth and development
B) Immune function
C) Metabolism and energy production
D) Blood sugar regulation
3. What is the main function of the pituitary gland in the
endocrine system?
A) To regulate calcium levels in the blood
B) To stimulate other endocrine glands to release
hormones
C) To produce insulin for blood sugar regulation
D) To regulate stress responses through cortisol

4. Which hormone is produced by the adrenal glands and

helps prepare the body for "fight-or-flight" responses?
A) Testosterone
B) Growth hormone
C) Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
D) Melatonin
5. The parathyroid glands are primarily responsible for
regulating:
A) Sleep-wake cycles
B) Calcium levels in the blood
C) Growth and muscle development
D) Reproductive functions