THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM… …is one of the two systems in the body that regulate its activities. Do you know what the other is? (hint: you just finished learning about it.) … controls many of the body’s daily activities as well as long-term changes such as development

The Endocrine System  Made up of glands which produce and release their chemicals (called hormones) directly into the bloodstream. The blood then carries them throughout the body.  Since they’re carried by blood, hormones can regulate activities in organs far from the glands that produced them.  Unlike the body’s response to a nerve impulse, hormones cause a slower (but longer-lasting) response.

How does the hormone carried by the blood know which organs to affect?  A hormone only interacts with certain target cells that recognize the hormones structure (A hormone and its target cell fit together like a. key fits into a lock.)

Each endocrine gland releases different hormones that control different processes.

Pituitary Gland  a small gland located on a stalk hanging from the base of the brain  “The Master Gland”  Primary function is to control other glands and signal them to produce (or not produce) their hormones  Produces many hormones to control growth, blood pressure and water balance.  Secretion is controlled by the hypothalamus in the base of the brain.

Thyroid Gland  Lies in the anterior neck just below the larynx  Release hormones that control the release of energy from food during cellular respiration

Thyroid gland A goiter (swelling of the neck due to enlarged thyroid can result if : thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism) To function properly and release its hormones, the thyroid gland must have iodine (check out your salt when you get home and you’ll likely see the word “iodized” meaning it contains iodine.)

Parathyroid Glands  small, pea-shaped glands, located in the neck near the thyroid  usually 4 number can vary  regulate the level of calcium in the body  produce parathyroid hormone -  level of calcium in blood  Hypocalcemia can result if parathyroids are removed or destroyed.

Pancreas  a key gland located in the folds of the duodenum  secretes several key digestive enzymes Insulin & glucagon—these control the level of glucose (simple sugar) in the blood  Islets of Langerhans  region of the pancreas that contain its endocrine (i.e., hormone-producing) cellspancreasendocrine   insulin secretion by cells of the islets of Langerhans can lead to diabetes

 Insulin was the first hormone identified (late 1920's) which won the doctor and medical student who discovered it the Nobel Prize (Banting and Best)  Human Insulin - First ever approved genetically engineered human therapeutic by GenentechInsulin Pancreas

Adrenal Glands  2 small glands that sit on top of the kidneys.  One hormone secreted is adrenaline which triggers the body to respond to emergency situations.  Other hormones affect salt & water balance in the kidneys and control blood sugar levels.

Thymus  Produces hormones that help the immune system fight infection

The Endocrine System  Testes:  Under control of the pituitary gland, they manufacture testosterone  Ovaries:  Under the control of the pituitary gland, they manufacture estrogen progesterone

And finally….  …not as “good” as the usual songs by Mr. Parr (he didn’t have one for the endocrine system) but here is Natasha and her version of The Endocrine Song:   Feel free to write your own and submit to me Maybe I’ll add it to the powerpoint for next year