Write the following in your notes: I can identify the organs and describe the functions of the Endocrine System.

Identify the level of organization for each example. Image from

The answers are … 1. nerve cell 2. nervous system 3. nerve tissue 4. organ (brain) R. Bryant 2008 WSMS – Based on “Science Starters” by T. Trimpe at

Glands of the Endocrine System

 target tissues Glands secrete (release) hormones into bloodstream to The endocrine system is a system of glands, each of which secretes a type of hormone to regulate the body. A hormone is a chemical secreted in one part of the body which has an influence on cells or tissues somewhere else in the body. The endocrine system is an information signal system much like the nervous system. Hormones are like chemical messengers that “tell” other organs to do something, which sometimes means to produce their own hormones. Hormones regulate many functions of an organism, including mood, growth and development, tissue function, and metabolism. Draw the diagram below.

Hypothalamus- Helps body maintain homeostasis. Pituitary- helps regulate human growth and physical development or maturity; secretes hormones that control other glands. Often referred to as “the master gland.” Thyroid- regulates metabolism (the rate at which cells burn fuels from food to produce energy). This influences body temperature, weight, other factors. Pancreas- releases the hormones insulin and glucagon which regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. Adrenal- releases adrenalin

Negative Feedback and Homeostasis Negative feedback is the main mechanism for controlling blood levels of hormones and helping the body to maintain homeostasis. Through negative feedback, when the amount of a particular hormone in the blood reaches a certain level, the endocrine system sends signals that stop the release of that hormone.

Review- complete the following sentences: The endocrine system consists of a number structures called ____________ which produce chemical messengers called ________________. These chemicals play a role in regulating a wide variety of ________________________. glands hormones bodily or system functions. ysystems/endocrinesystem/

1.What happens to blood sugar levels after the morning meal and after lunch? After eating, blood sugar levels increase dramatically. 2. What was the highest blood glucose concentration in this time period? Approximately 120 mg/100 cm (also referred to as 120 mg/dL.) 3.Normal fasting glucose levels (levels after 8 hours with no food) should be between 70 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL. Was this person’s glucose level within the normal range prior to the morning meal? Yup. X X