this will be tested on friday FEB 17

1. The Endocrine System

2. Endocrine System
• System that “communicates” to control body
functions
• Uses chemicals called hormones
• Hormones come from glands
• Unlike digestive glands, these glands are ductless
*If they are ductless, how do they “communicate”
with the body?

3. Major Glands of the Endocrine System
• hypothalamus
• pituitary
• thyroid
• parathyroid glands
• adrenal glands
• pineal gland
• pancreas*
• reproductive organs (gonads)

4. Hypothalamus
• found in the brain, lower central part
• regulation of satiety, metabolism and body
temperature
• regulates the pituitary gland
– somatostatin: stops release of growth hormone

5. Pituitary Gland
• found below the
hypothalamus, pea-sized
• “most important gland of
the endocrine system”
• produces a vast number
hormones
• ex: growth hormone, TSH,
ACTH, LH, FSH, prolactin
• ex: vasopressin, oxytocin

6. Thyroid Gland
• found in the lower front
part of the neck
• regulates body
metabolism
• maintains normal blood
pressure, heart rate,
digestion

7. Parathyroid glands
• pair of glands adjacent
to the thyroid gland
• regulates calcium in
bone and blood

8. Adrenal glands
• found on top of your kidneys
• adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla
• outer: corticosteroids – regulate metabolism,
salt and water balance
• inner: catecholamines – deals with physical
and emotional stress (ex: adrenaline)

9. Pineal body
• regulates circadian rhythm
• SAD (seasonal affective disorder)

10. Pancreas
• has both exocrine and endocrine function
• “communicates” with the liver by hormones
• islets of Langerhans
– insulin 
– glucagon 

11. Homework
• Pheromones
• Sex hormones
– androgens
– estrogens