Endocrine System Overview

Endocrine vs Exocrine Glands

• Exocrine glands release chemicals into ducts, such as sweat, tears, and digestive juices
• Endocrine glands release chemicals directly into the bloodstream, these chemicals are called hormones
• Examples of hormones include testosterone, estrogen, and insulin

Endocrine System Terminology

• Glands release products directly into the bloodstream
• Hormones are chemical messages carried around the body
• Target cells have specific receptors on their cell membrane which allow them to receive hormonal messages

Pituitary Gland

• It is known as the master gland because it controls other glands
• The pituitary gland releases Growth Hormone (GH) which is responsible for growth. Too little GH results in dwarfism, while too much results in gigantism.
• The pituitary gland also releases Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), which stimulates the kidneys to retain water

Thyroid Gland

• The thyroid gland controls metabolism and energy in the body.
• It releases thyroxine (T4)

Adrenal Glands

• Adrenal glands are responsible for the fight, flight or freeze response
• Adrenaline increases heart rate and blood pressure, and supplies more oxygen to muscles and organs to allow for a quick response

Pancreas

• The pancreas is an endocrine and exocrine gland
• It releases enzymes and hormones
• The pancreas releases glucagon and insulin, which regulate blood sugar

Ovaries

• Ovaries produce progesterone and estrogen
• The ovaries are responsible for puberty and sexual maturity

Testes

• Testes produce testosterone.
• The testes are responsible for puberty and sexual maturity

Endocrine & Exocrine Glands

• Exocrine glands release chemicals into ducts, examples include sweat, tears and digestive juices
• Endocrine glands release chemicals into the bloodstream, they have no ducts and their chemicals are called hormones, examples include testosterone, estrogen and insulin

Endocrine System Terminology

• Glands: release products into the bloodstream directly
• Hormones: chemical messages carried around the body
• Target cells: specific cells that have appropriate receptors on their cell membrane

Pituitary Gland

• Also known as the master gland, because it controls the other glands
• Growth Hormone (GH) is responsible for growth, too little GH leads to dwarfism and too much GH leads to giantism
• Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) stimulates kidneys to hold water

Thyroid Gland

• Controls metabolism and energy in the body
• Thyroxine (T4) is the hormone produced by the thyroid gland

Adrenal Glands

• Hormones made by the adrenal glands including adrenaline are responsible for fight, flight or freeze reactions
• Adrenaline increases heart rate and blood pressure, supplies more oxygen to the muscles and organs to help you respond quickly

Pancreas

• An endocrine and exocrine gland that makes enzymes and hormones
• Regulates blood sugar by means of the hormones glucagon and insulin

Ovaries

• Produces progesterone and estrogen
• Function: controls puberty and sexual maturity

Testes

• Produces testosterone
• Function: controls puberty and sexual maturity

Explore the differences between endocrine and exocrine glands, and learn how hormones function in the body. This quiz covers the roles of crucial glands like the pituitary and thyroid, highlighting their impact on growth and metabolism.