Topic

Endocrine System

LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this topic, you should be able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. Explain the role of hormones in humans; Describe animal hormones and their functions; Identify plant hormones and their functions; and Differentiate between animal and plant hormones.

INTRODUCTION

In this topic, we will proceed with the discussion on the endocrine system. The endocrine system executes various physiological processes through chemical messengers called hormones. The endocrine system is a collection of glands that secrete hormones which are necessary for normal bodily functions. The endocrine system, as shown in Figure 2.1, comprises the pituitary, parathyroid, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas and ovaries or testes. The hypothalamus in the brain receives information from nerve cells about both the internal condition of the body and the external environment. It then responds to those conditions over the endocrine system by using the pituitary gland to relay directions to other glands.

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Figure 2.1: The endocrine system Source: http://www.drstandley.com

2.1

ROLE OF HORMONES IN HUMANS

An endocrine gland or ductless gland is a group of specialised cells that produces and secretes hormones into the bloodstream. Only small concentrations of hormones are needed for their effectiveness. Table 2.1 lists several endocrine glands and some of their secreted hormones which help to maintain homeostasis within the human body.

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Table 2.1: Major Human Endocrine Glands and Their Secreted Hormones Site of secretion Pituitary gland Thyroid gland Parathyroid gland Adrenal Pancreas Ovaries Testes Hormone ADH, Oxytocin, GH, TSH, FSH, Prolactin Thyroid hormone Parathyroid hormone Adrenalin Insulin, Glucagon Estrogens, Progesterone Testosterone

Endocrine glands are located in strategic areas around the body. Their hormones regulate a vast range of activities including blood glucose concentration, heart rate, metabolism, growth rate, reproduction and water balance. To further our understanding of endocrine glands and hormones, let us take a look at the following scenario.

Fight or Flight Imagine that you suddenly see a tiger in a jungle. What will you do? Do you want to fight with the tiger? Maybe you should run as fast as you can, away from the tiger? Do you want to fight or take flight? Whatever your decision, it has something to do with interaction between the endocrine system and nervous system. Impulses are sent through the nervous system so the adrenal glands get the message to secrete adrenaline hormone. Consequently, the breathing and heart rate increase which causes the transportation of oxygen and glucose into the body cells to become rapid. Eventually, more blood is pumped to the muscles and the brain. As a result, a quick decision can be made by the brain, and there is an increase in energy production and blood pressure.

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2.2

ANIMAL HORMONES

Although hormones will reach the entire parts of the body through blood circulation, each hormone will have its own target organ. Due to this, each hormone has its own specific function. Lets take a look at Table 2.2 on animals main hormones and their functions.
Table 2.2: Main Animal Hormones and Their Functions Hormone Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) Oxytocin Growth hormone (GH) Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) Prolactin Thyroid hormone Parathyroid hormone Adrenaline Insulin Glucagon Estrogens Functions x Promotes reabsorption of water by kidneys x Stimulates contraction of uterus x Stimulates milk flow from the mammary glands x Stimulates growth x Stimulates metabolic functions x Regulates growth of thyroid glands and its hormone secretion

x Stimulates production of ova and sperm x Stimulates estrogens secretion in ovaries x Stimulates testosterone secretion in testes x Stimulates mammary glands to secrete milk x Stimulates and maintain metabolic processes x Raises blood calcium level x Regulates bone formation x Prepares body for action such as increasing blood glucose, heart rate and metabolic rate x Lowers blood glucose concentration x Raises blood glucose concentration x Promote development and maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics x Stimulate uterine lining growth x Control menstrual cycle and pregnancy x Controls menstrual cycle and pregnancy x Promotes development of testes and male secondary sex characteristics

Progesterone Testosterone

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ACTIVITY 2.1
Study, think and match these keywords! Get more information by borrowing books in the library or surfing the Internet to group these keywords. These keywords represent endocrine glands, hormones and functions of those hormones. Then, summarise them in the table below.

Endocrine gland

Hormone

Function

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2.3

PLANT HORMONES

Plant hormones are also known as plant growth substances. Unlike animal hormones, plant hormones are not manufactured in special organs. Instead, they are made by cells in many different parts of the plant. They regulate many aspects of plant growth and development, from seed formation and germination to the maturity and death of the plant. There are five major types of plant hormones: auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid and ethene. Table 2.3 below provides a brief explanation of their respective functions.
Table 2.3: Plant Hormones and Their Functions Hormone Auxins Gibberellins Cytokinins Abscisic acid Ethene/Ethylene Production Site and Functions Synthesised in the apical meristems to promote primary growth by increasing the rate of cell elongation. Formed in young leaves to stimulate the growth of shoots and leaves. Synthesised in the roots and transported to other parts of the plant. When combined with auxins, it stimulates cell division. Synthesised in chloroplast to promote dormancy in some seeds and stimulates the closing of stomata. Released from ripening fruit, nodes of stems, ageing leaves and flowers. Involved in seed dormancy, fruit ripening and leaf abscission.

ACTIVITY 2.2
Test your knowledge on the major types of plant hormones by matching the hormones below to each function. Auxin
Function Ripen fruit Shoot growth Increase stem length

Ethylene

Cytokinins
Hormones

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SELF-CHECK 2.1
Describe the role of hormones in the cycle of a girls life until she becomes a woman, gets married and gives birth.

Endocrine system is a collection of glands that secretes hormones, which are necessary for normal human bodily functions such as digestion, metabolism, growth, reproduction, heart rate and water balance. Plant hormones act either to stimulate or to inhibit certain parts of plants.

Animal hormones Endocrine gland

Endocrine system Plant hormones

Kent, M. (2000). Advance biology. New York: Oxford University Press. Mader, S. S. (2010). Biology. New York: McGraw-Hill.