Endocrine system:
- the system is a complex network of glands and organs that produce and
release hormones into the bloodstream
- these hormones act as chemical messengers, regulating various
physiological processes and maintaining homeostasis in the body
Hypothalamus –
located in the brain,
serves as a crucial link
between the nervous
system and the
endocrine system
- produces releasing
and inhibiting
hormones that control
the secretion of
hormones in the
pituitary gland
Pituitary – the ‘master
gland’, located in the
base of the brain
- regulates the other
glands Pineal –
produces melatonin, a
hormone involved in
regulating sleep-wake
cycle
Thyroid – produces
hormones that regulate metabolism Parathyroid – located in the
posterior surface of the thyroid gland Adrenal – the
adrenal cortex produces hormones such as cortisol and sex hormones,
while the adrenal medulla secrets adrenaline and noradrenaline in
response to stress Pancreas – its endocrine function involves the
production and release of hormones, such as insulin, which regulates
glucose, metabolism and blood sugar levels Ovaries –
produce oestrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle,
secondary sexual characteristics, and reproductive function
- ovaries also produce small amounts of androgens, such as testosterone,
which are involved in female reproductive health and libido
Testicles – produce testosterone, the primary male sex hormone
responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues, secondary
sexual characteristics and sperm production
- produces small amounts of oestrogen, which can be important for male
reproductive health and bone density regulation
- the system is a complex network of glands and organs that produce and
release hormones into the bloodstream
- these hormones act as chemical messengers, regulating various
physiological processes and maintaining homeostasis in the body
Hypothalamus –
located in the brain,
serves as a crucial link
between the nervous
system and the
endocrine system
- produces releasing
and inhibiting
hormones that control
the secretion of
hormones in the
pituitary gland
Pituitary – the ‘master
gland’, located in the
base of the brain
- regulates the other
glands Pineal –
produces melatonin, a
hormone involved in
regulating sleep-wake
cycle
Thyroid – produces
hormones that regulate metabolism Parathyroid – located in the
posterior surface of the thyroid gland Adrenal – the
adrenal cortex produces hormones such as cortisol and sex hormones,
while the adrenal medulla secrets adrenaline and noradrenaline in
response to stress Pancreas – its endocrine function involves the
production and release of hormones, such as insulin, which regulates
glucose, metabolism and blood sugar levels Ovaries –
produce oestrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle,
secondary sexual characteristics, and reproductive function
- ovaries also produce small amounts of androgens, such as testosterone,
which are involved in female reproductive health and libido
Testicles – produce testosterone, the primary male sex hormone
responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues, secondary
sexual characteristics and sperm production
- produces small amounts of oestrogen, which can be important for male
reproductive health and bone density regulation
