The endocrine system maintains homeostasis through chemical messengers called hormones. The hypothalamus controls the endocrine system and pituitary gland. The pituitary gland regulates other endocrine glands and releases hormones in response to signals from the hypothalamus. Major endocrine glands include the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries/testes, which regulate processes like metabolism, growth and development, and reproduction.

1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM<br />Exerts chemical control over the human body<br />Maintains homeostasis <br />Acts with nervous system to coordinate the body's activities<br />Uses chemical messengers called hormones that are transported by the circulatory system (blood)<br />TYPES OF HORMONES<br />Steroid

2. Amino acid

3. ProteinHYPOTHALAMUS<br />Inferior part of the diencephalon

4. Control center of all autonomic regulatory activities of the body

5. Main function of the hypothalamus is homeostasis