Chapter 12 Endocrine System

Endocrine System The endocrine system, like the nervous system, sends signals to the body. Organs included in the endocrine system are the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, thymus, adrenal gland, pancreas (the largest endocrine gland), and the ovaries These main glands are located in the brain, neck, abdomen, and groin

Endocrine System (cont.) Chemical signals released by the organs (glands) of the endocrine system are called hormones. Hormones travel in blood through blood vessels and cause organ systems to carry out specific functions. They tell your cells what to do. Some hormones work with other organ systems to maintain homeostasis and other hormones work with many organ systems to help you grow.

Problems with the Endocrine System A common problem with the endocrine system is diabetes. This disease deals with the endocrine gland the pancreas. Diabetes occurs when a person's pancreas doesn't make enough Insulin helps glucose, the sugar that's in your blood, enter the cells of your body Without enough insulin being produced, there is too much sugar in your blood.