Endocrine system is composed of glands that secrete different types of hormones that affect almost every cell copy.docx
1. Endocrine system is composed of glands that
secrete different types of hormones that affect
almost every cell, organ, and function of our
body.
It consists of glands that secrete chemicals
called hormones to control various body
processes. This control system usually brings
about slow changes in the body because
chemical messengers move more slowly than
nerve impulses.
It is essential in regulating growth and
development, metabolism, as well as
reproductive processes and mood.
2. How does your endocrine system function?
Endocrine glands secrete chemicals known
as hormones into the bloodstream, which
carries them throughout the body. When a
hormone in the blood reaches the target
organ, it produces a notable effect. The
endocrine system sends signals all over the
body, much like the nervous system, but
unlike the instant responses activated by
the nervous system, the effects can take a
few hours or even weeks.
4. Thyroid
below
the
voice
box
Thyroxin,
Calcitonin
regulates body
metabolism, and
causes storage of
calcium in bones
Parathyr
oid
in the
neck
Parathormone
controls the calcium
levels in your body, and
normalizes bone
growth
Thymus
in front
of the
heart
Thymosin
enables the body to
produce certain
antibodies
Adrenal
on top of
the
kidneys
Adrenaline
prepares the body for
action, controls the
heart rate and
breathing in times of
5. emergency
Pancrea
s
between
the
kidneys
Insulin, Glucagon
regulates blood sugar
levels
Reprodu
ctive -
Testes
(Males)
-Ovaries
(Female
s)
lower
abdome
n
Androgen,
Testosterone
Estrogen,
Progesterone
control maturation and
male characteristics
influence female traits,
and support
reproductive function
6. Effects of Hormones in the Body
Several processes in the body are coordinated by
hormones which regulate and balance the working of
organs, tissues, and cells. The endocrine system
influences how your heart beats, how your bones and
tissues develop, and even your capacity to have a baby.
It plays an essential role in the occurrence of disorders
such as diabetes, thyroid disease, growth disorders,
and/or sexual dysfunction.
Both men and women produce hormones in the
same areas with one exception, the reproductive glands.
Additional male hormones are produced in the testes
while female hormones are produced in the ovaries.
Some hormones have short-term effects while other
hormones have long-term effects such as those that
7. control our growth and the changes at the onset of
puberty. During puberty, there are many hormonal
changes that happen in your body. One moment you
laugh, and then suddenly you feel like crying. Sudden
mood swings are relatively caused by the increasing
amount of hormones in the body at this stage. It is
therefore important to maintain a positive outlook in life
and remember that these changes are only temporary and
will stabilize with time.
Hormones act in very small amounts. If the organ
and hormones do not produce the regulated amount of
chemicals to your body, it may result in an abnormality of
your body (hormonal imbalance.) An increase or
decrease in its amount may have a significant effect in the
human body.
8. Disorders of the Endocrine System
1. Dwarfism There is too little secretion of
growth hormones by the pituitary gland, thus
resulting to stunted growth.
2. Gigantism There is an excessive secretion
of growth hormones by the pituitary gland
causing too much growth to the person.
3.Goiter There is an abnormal enlargement
of the thyroid gland due to too much or too
little amount of secreted hormone.
