Definition
The endocrine system is a control system similar to the Nervous System however is is slower but acts for longer. It works by sending hormones around the body via the blood stream. It is made up of glands which secret hormones directly into the bloodstream. The blood transports the hormone to a target organ or tissue where it elicits and effect.
The main glands are:
- Pituitary gland
- The master gland
- Secretes hormones into the blood to either have an effect on the body or act on other glands to stimulate them to produce different hormones
- Pancreas
- Secretes insulin
- Controls blood glucose levels
- Thyroid
- Secretes thyroxine
- Controls metabolic rate, heart rate and temperature
- Adrenal gland
- Secretes adrenaline
- Involved in the ‘fight or flight’ response (the body’s response to stressful situations)
- Ovary
- Secretes oestrogen
- Is involved in the menstrual cycle and the development of female secondary sexual characteristics
- Testes
- Secretes testosterone
- Is involved in the production of sperm and the development of male secondary sexual characteristic