3. A lot! Your body produces its own chemicals and uses them to control certain functions, and the main system that coordinates these chemicals is called the endocrine system.

4. A quick overview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVrlHH14q3o

5. Though we rarely think about the endocrine system, it influences almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. It regulates mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, sexual function and reproductive processes. The endocrine system is in charge of body processes that happen slowly, such as cell growth

7. Faster processes like breathing and body movement are monitored by the nervous system. But even though the nervous system and endocrine system are separate systems, they often work together to help the body function properly.

8. Endocrine System - Is a chemical system that regulates many body functions through a network of glands throughout the body Glands- A group of cells that secrete chemicals Glands select and remove materials from the blood, processes them, and secretes the finished chemical product for use somewhere in the body The glands of the Endocrine System are (13 of them) HypothalamusPituitary ThyroidParathyroid Adrenal GlandsPineal body Reproductive GlandsThe Pancreas ThymusHeart Kidney Stomach Intestines

9. Hormones Chemicals that circulate the blood stream and carry messages and signals to different parts of the body The word hormone comes from the Greek word hormao which means “I excite” meaning that hormones stimulate particular parts of the body (Target Glands)

11. Located in the lower central part of the brain Main link between the endocrine and nervous system Control the pituitary gland by producing chemicals that either stimulate or suppress hormone secretions from the pituitary.

12. Hypothalamus Most doctors feel the hypothalamus is to blame for mind problems since it controls the bodies most important hormones Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Acetylcholine among others The main function of the hypothalamus is to maintain homeostasis… blood pressure, temperature, fluid and electrolyte balance The hypothalamus controls the Pituitary Gland

13. Located right beneath the hypothalamus About the size of a pea but considered to be the most important part in the endocrine system Known as the “master gland” because it makes hormones that control several other endocrine glands (Makes 8 types of hormones) Production and secretion of pituitary hormones can be influenced by emotions and change of seasons To do this the hypothalamus sends information sensed by the brain (Temperature, light exposure, feelings) to the pituitary

15. The gland is separated into two sections Anterior Lobe Posterior Lobe Anterior lobe regulates the activity of the thyroid, adrenals, a reproductive glands, bone growth, and skin (It secretes 6 different hormones) It produces: Growth hormone (GH) – One of the most important hormones, stimulates all the tissues in the body to grow this includes bones (Effects protein formation) Luteinizing Hormone (LH) – Stimulates sex glands in both sexes to either produce ripe eggs or mature sperm Thyrotrophin (TSH) - which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Responsible for overall metabolism of the body ACTH or Corticotrophin – Effects the stereroid hormones (Adrenal) that control Stress response Pituitary also secretes Endorphins which aid in Pain relief Also controls melanocytes – causing more melanin to be produced

16. Releases Antidiuretic Hormones (ADH) helps control the balance of water in the body. Permits more water To be stored by the body (Kidneys are affected) The pituitary gland also controls ovulation and menstrual cycle in women as well as secreting hormones to the reproductive system To make sex hormones (Gonadotrophins) Oxytocin – aids in the release of milk from mammary glands as well as controls uterine contractions during child birth