1. UNIT 3 The interaction function Natural Science 2. Secondary Education THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM OF A VERTEBRATE

2. UNIDAD 3 Natural Science2. Secondary Education UNIT 3 The endocrine system of a vertebrate Many vertebrates, including human beings, have a complex chemical coordination system called the endocrine system. The human endocrine system is made up of a number of glands that release hormones into the blood. Pancreas Ovaries Testicles Thyroid gland Adrenal glands Pituitary gland Each hormone is a chemical messenger that reaches a particular effector organ and triggers a response.

3. UNIDAD 3 Natural Science2. Secondary Education UNIT 3 The endocrine system of a vertebrate Pancreas Ovaries Testicles Thyroid gland Adrenal glands Click on the gland names to find out how their hormones work. Many vertebrates including human beings, have a complex chemical coordination system called the endocrine system. The human endocrine system is made up of a number of glands that release hormones into the blood. Each hormone is a chemical messenger that reaches a particular effector organ and triggers a response. Pituitary gland

4. UNIDAD 3 Natural Science2. Secondary Education UNIT 3 The endocrine system of a vertebrate PITUITARY GLAND A small gland found at the base of the brain. Prolactin. Stimulates the production of milk in the mammary glands after women give birth. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). Regulates the production of hormones in the thyroid. Growth hormone. Stimulates the growth of bones and muscles until maturity. Hormones it produces: FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). Stimulates the production of eggs in the ovaries. LH (luteinizing hormone). Stimulates ovulation in women and production of testosterone (the male sex hormone) in men. Go back to the Start menu

5. UNIDAD 3 Natural Science2. Secondary Education UNIT 3 The endocrine system of a vertebrate THYROID GLAND An H-shaped gland found in the neck (at the top of the windpipe). Thyroxine. This hormone causes an increase in the chemical activity of the cells in many of organs. It stimulates our bodies’ metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, consuming oxygen and breaking down proteins inside cells. Hormones it produces: Thyroid gland Go back to the Start menu

6. UNIDAD 3 Natural Science2. Secondary Education UNIT 3 The endocrine system of a vertebrate ADRENAL GLANDS The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys. Cortisol. This hormone is produced as a response to stress. It regulates the processes of producing and breaking down proteins and sugars in cells. Hormones they produce: Adrenalin. It increases blood sugar levels, blood pressure and heart rate, preparing our bodies for action in situations in which we are alert or in danger. Adrenal glands Go back to the Start menu

7. UNIDAD 3 Natural Science2. Secondary Education UNIT 3 The endocrine system of a vertebrate PANCREAS This is a mixed gland: It is both an exocrine and an endocrine gland. Glucagon. This hormone causes an increase in blood sugar levels, making cells release glucose into the bloodstream. Insulin. This hormone causes a drop in blood sugar levels, making cells take up glucose from the blood. Hormones it produces: Go back to the Start menu

8. UNIDAD 3 Natural Science2. Secondary Education UNIT 3 The endocrine system of a vertebrate TESTICLES Testosterone. This is the male sex hormone, which promotes male sexual characteristics and triggers sperm development. Hormones they produce: Testicles Go back to the Start menu

9. UNIDAD 3 Natural Science2. Secondary Education UNIT 3 The endocrine system of a vertebrate OVARIES Estrogen and progesterone. These are female sex hormones that cause the development of secondary female characteristics and prepare a woman’s body for possible pregnancy. Hormones they produce: Ovaries Go back to the Start menu