Different body systems work together in our body. We have two systems to assist in response to stimuli:
endocrine and nervous.
endocrine and nervous.
Endocrine System
The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones, chemical substances produced in the body that regulate the activity of cells or organs. These hormones regulate the body's growth, metabolism (the physical and chemical processes of the body), and sexual development and function. The hormones are released into the bloodstream and may affect one or several organs throughout the body.
Hormones are chemical messengers created by the body. They transfer information from one set of cells to another to coordinate the functions of different parts of the body.
Major glands:
***Some textbooks include the pancreas >> follow your teachers guide.
Hormones are chemical messengers created by the body. They transfer information from one set of cells to another to coordinate the functions of different parts of the body.
Major glands:
- hypothalamus,
- pituitary,
- thyroid,
- parathyroids,
- adrenals,
- pineal body, and
- the reproductive organs (ovaries and testes).
***Some textbooks include the pancreas >> follow your teachers guide.
Identify organ/gland, hormone, target area and main effects of several key human hormones (Insulin, oestrogen, testosterone, adrenaline and the pituitary gland and thyroid)
Hormone |
Target |
Effect |
Insulin |
Liver |
Reduce blood sugar |
Oestrogen |
Female Reproductive system |
Responsible for the reproduction, menstruation and menopause |
Testosterone |
Throughout body |
Development of male reproductive tissues; testes and prostrate. It also promotes secondary sexual characteristics like increasing the mass of muscles and bones, growth of body hair etc. |
Adrenaline |
Heart and other muscles |
Works with out nervous system to prepare our body to cope with danger or stress. If you’re suddenly scared, your heart pounds, your breathing becomes steep and rapid. These are just two of the effects of epinephrine, also called adrenaline. Epinephrine is a very fast acting hormone that prepares our body for emergency action—also called the fight or flight reflex. It speeds up our breathing and heart rate and diverts extra blood to the muscles. |