2. In this lesson:
You will learn about the endocrine system
and how it works
You will have a chance to make your own
model of the endocrine system
3. How the system communicates
The organs of the endocrine system communicate
with each other and the rest of the body using
hormones.
Hormones are made and stored in their
originating organ. The place they are sent is
called the target.
Targets can be anything from all the bones in the
body to another endocrine organ.
When the hormones reach their target, they
trigger events in that location.
4. Hypothalamus and Pituitary
Hypothalamus
Located in the brain, the
hypothalamus releases
hormones which stimulate or
suppress the production of
other hormones throughout
the body.
Pituitary
The pituitary is a small
body that hangs in the
central area of the brain. It
produces hormones which
help control the body’s
water and electrolyte
levels, help with childbirth,
trigger the production of
sex hormones, and
promote body growth.
5. Thyroid and Parathyroid
Thyroid
The thyroid is located around
the esophagus. It creates
hormones which control
metabolic processes in all
cells and control blood
calcium levels.
Parathyroid
The parathyroid is a group of
small glands that are found
on the thyroid and emit
hormones which help
regulate calcium throughout
the body. If levels get too low
the bones will be instructed
to release more; if the levels
get too high the bones are
told to absorb the extra
calcium.
6. Adrenal Gland
Kidneys
The adrenal gland is really two
glands, which are situated on
top of either kidney. The
adrenal gland makes hormones
which regulate the body’s water
and electrolyte levels as well as
hormones which control the
metabolism of proteins, lipids,
and carbohydrates. The most
noticeable thing it does is
protect the body from…
7. Pancreas
The pancreas is located
between the two kidneys.
Produces hormones which
adjust carbohydrate
metabolism. When blood
sugar levels rise (after you
eat) insulin lowers the levels;
when blood sugar levels are
low (if you haven’t eaten all
day) glucagons raises the
blood levels.
8. Ovaries and Testes
Testes
Testes are found in the
scrotum of males. They
generate hormones which
facilitate the development of
male reproductive organs and
produce sperm.
Ovaries
Ovaries are found in the
abdomen of women. They
produce hormones which
assist with the development
of the female reproductive
organs and prepare the
uterus for pregnancy.
9. Let’s Build A Model
By building a model of the endocrine system, you
can show how the hormones travel through the
body and different areas are affected.
10. Supplies
One piece of butcher paper, longer than you
are tall
Markers, pencils, or pens
Play-Doh or modeling clay
String
11. Procedure
Working in partners, have one student lie down on
the butcher paper. Outline their body with markers,
pens or crayons.
12. Procedure (2)
Shape the organs
of the endocrine
system in Play-Doh
or modeling clay.
Place the organs in
the correct places
on the drawing you
have made.
13. Procedure (3)
Use pieces of string to draw paths
showing where the hormones travel from
their originating organ to their target.
Draw target areas on the drawing if it will
help show where the hormones are
acting.
14. Procedure (4)
Select an organ of the endocrine system to
present to the class. Each group should explain
one organ’s function.
Write a short description of the organ’s location
and function.
Show the rest of the class your model of the
endocrine system and discuss your chosen organ.
