Big Picture F

Week 13-14: Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO): At the end of the unit, you are expected to:
a. Determine the parts and function of endocrine system, and how hormones work in the human body;
and
b. Determine the activities of lymphatic system in the human body.

Big Picture in Focus: ULOd. Determine the parts and function of endocrine system, and how
hormones work in the human body.

METALANGUAGE
 Neurotransmitter – also called chemical transmitter or chemical messenger, any of a group of
chemical agents released by neurons (nerve cells) to stimulate neighboring neurons or muscle or
gland cells, thus allowing impulses to be passed from one cell to the next throughout the
nervous system.
 Hormone - A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity
of certain cells or organs.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE
XIII. Endocrine System
The endocrine system is the collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism,
growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood, among other
things.
The endocrine system is made up of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal
glands, pancreas, ovaries (in females) and testicles (in males).
 Gland is an organ that makes and puts out hormones that do a specific job in your body. Endocrine
glands release the substances they make into your bloodstream.
 Hypothalamus. This organ connects your endocrine system with your nervous system. Its main job is
to tell your pituitary gland to start or stop making hormones.
 Thyroid gland. This gland makes thyroid hormone, which controls your metabolism.
 Parathyroid. This is a set of four small glands behind your thyroid. They play a role in bone health.
The glands control your levels of calcium and phosphorus.
 Thymus. This gland makes white blood cells called T-lymphocytes that fight infection and are crucial
as a child's immune system develops. The thymus starts to shrink after puberty.
 Adrenals. Best known for making the "fight or flight" hormone adrenaline (also called epinephrine),
these two glands also make hormones called corticosteroids. They affect your metabolism and
sexual function, among other things.
 Pancreas. This organ is part of both your digestive and endocrine systems. It makes digestive
enzymes that break down food. It also makes the hormones insulin and glucagon. These ensure you
have the right amount of sugar in your bloodstream and your cells.
 Ovaries. In women, these organs make estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help develop
breasts at puberty, regulate the menstrual cycle, and support a pregnancy.
 Testes. In men, the testes make testosterone. It helps them grow facial and body hair at puberty. It
also tells the penis to grow larger and plays a role in making sperm.
 Tissues -is a cellular organizational level between cells and a complete organ. A tissue is an
ensemble of similar cells and their extracellular matrix from the same origin that together carry out
a specific function. Organs are then formed by the functional grouping together of multiple tissues.

Fig. 40: the Endocrine System

Table 1. Endocrine Glands, Hormones, and their Target Tissues

Gland Hormone Target tissue Response
Pituitary gland

Anterior (front of pituitary
gland)
Growth hormone Most tissues Increases protein synthesis,
breakdown of lipids, and
release of fatty acids from
cells; increase blood
glucose level

Thyroid-stimulating Thyroid gland Increase thyroid hormone

hormone (TSH) secretion (thyroxine and
triiodothyronine)

Adrenocorticotropic Adrenal cortex Increase secretion of

hormone (ACTH) glucocorticoid hormones

Melanocyte-stimulating Melanocyte in skin Increases melanin

hormone production in melanocyte
to make the skin darker in
 color

Luteinizing hormone (LH) Ovary in female, testis in Promotes ovulation and

males progesterone production in
the ovary; testosterone
synthesis and support for
sperm cell production in
testis

Follicle-stimulating Follicles in ovary in Promotes follicle

hormone (FSH) females, seminiferous maturation and estrogen
tubules in males secretion in ovary; sperm
cell production in testis

Prolactin Ovary and mammary gland Stimulates milk production

in females, testis in male
and prolongs progesterone
secretion following
ovulation and during
pregnancy in women;
increases sensitivity to LH
in males

Posterior (back of pituitary Antidiuretic hormone Kidney Increases water

gland) reabsorption (less H2O is
lost as urine)

Oxytocin Uterus Increases uterine

contraction

Thyroid gland Thyroid hormones Most cells of the body Increases metabolic rates,
(thyroxine and essential for normal
triiodothyronine) process of growth and
maturation.

Calcitonin Primary bone Decreases rate bone

breakdown; prevents large
increase in blood calcium
levels

Parathyroid glands Parathyroid hormone Bone, kidneys Increases rate of bone

breakdown by osteoclast;
increases vitamin D
synthesis; essential for
maintenance for normal
blood calcium level.

Adrenal medulla Epinephrine mostly, some Heat, blood vessels, liver, Increases cardiac output;
norepinephrine fat cells increases blood flow to
skeletal muscles and heart;
increases release of glucose
and fatty acids into blood;
in general, prepares the
body for physical activity.
Adrenal cortex Mineralocorticoids Kidneys; to lesser degree, Increases rate of sodium
(aldosterone) intestine and sweat glands transport into body;
increase rate of potassium
excretion; secondarily favor
water retention

Glucocorticoids (cortisol) Most tissues (e.g., liver, fat,
skeletal muscle, immune
tissues)
Increases fat and protein
breakdown; increase
glucose synthesis from
amino acids; increase blood
nutrient level; inhibit
inflammation and immune
response.

Adrenal androgens Most tissues Insignificant in males;

increase female sexual
drive, pubic hair and
axillary hair growth.

Pancreas insulin Especially liver, skeletal Increase uptake and use of

muscle, adipose tissue glucose and amino acids

Glucagon Primarily liver Increases breakdown of

glucagon and release of
glucose into the circulatory
system.

Reproductive organs
Testes Testosterone Most tissues Aids in sperm cell
production, maintenance
of functional reproductive
organs, secondary sexual
characteristics, and sexual
behavior.

Ovaries Estrogens and Most tissues Aid uterine and mammary

progesterone gland development and
function, external genitalia
structure, secondary sexual
characteristics, sexual
behavior and menstrual
cycle.

Uterus, ovaries, inflamed Prostaglandins Most tissues Mediate inflammatory

tissues responses; increase uterine
contractions, and
ovulation.

Thymus gland Thymosin Immune tissues Promotes immune system

development.

Pineal body Melatonin At least the hypothalamus Inhibits secretion of

gonadotropin-releasing
 hormone, thereby
inhibiting reproduction.

Self-Help: You can also refer to the sources below to help you further understand the lesson.

1. Bauer, R.C., Birk, J.P. & Marks, P.S. (2016). Introductory to chemistry. New York: McGraw Hill
2. Karp G. (2014). Cell biology (7th ed.). Hoboken, N.J. : John Wiley & Sons Singapore Pte. Ltd.
3. Lewis, R. (2012). Human genetics : Concepts and applications (11th ed.). New York : McGraw Hill.
4. Mader, S.S., & Windelspecht, M. (2015). Essentials of biology (4th ed.). New York : McGraw Hill.
5. Marieb, E.N., Mitchell, S.J., & Smith, L.A. (2014). Essentials of human anatomy and physiology
(10th ed.).Singapore : Pearson Ed. South Asia.
6. Marieb, E.N., Mitchell, S.J., & Smith, L.A. (2014). Human anatomy and physiology laboratory manual
(10th ed.). Singapore : Pearson Ed. South Asia.
7. McMurry, J.F. (2013). Organic chemistry : A biological approach (2nd ed.). Andover : Cengage
Learning.
8. Reece, J.B. Taylor, M.R. Simon, E.J. & Dicky, J.L. (2012). Campbell biology : Concepts and
connections (7th ed.). Boston : Pearson
9. Rodwell, V.W., Bender, D.A., Botham, K.M., Kennelly, P.J., & Weil, P.A. (2015). Harper’s
illustrated biochemistry (30th ed.). New York : McGraw Hill.
10. Stoker, H.S. (2013). Explaining general organic and biological chemistry (2nd ed.). Singapore :
Cengage Learning.
11. Tortora, G.J., & Derrickson, B. (2011). Anatomy and physiology : Maintenance and continuity of
the human body. Hoboken, N.J. : John Wiley & Sons (Asia) Pte. Ltd.
12. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/endocrine-system-facts
13. https://youtu.be/8TveCTps_Xw

LET’S CHECK
Activity 1. Multiple choice: choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. Glands are small organs located throughout your body that secrete substances called ______.
a. Plasma c. Enzymes
b. Hormones d. Bile
2. Hormones help your body by________.
a. Telling your cells what to do c. Sending nerve messages
b. Helping you breathe d. Oxidizing your blood
3. Which of the following is not part of the endocrine system?
a. Thyroid c. Appendix
b. Adrenals d. Pituitary
4. Where are the major endocrine glands located?
a. In the head, shoulders, knees, and toes
 b. In the abdomen, joints, brain, and spinal column
c. In the brain, neck, and abdomen
d. In the gall bladder, appendix, tonsils, and spleen
5. This gland is sometimes called the master gland, though it is only about the size of a pea:
a. Pituitary c. Pineal
b. Adrenal d. Hypothalamus
6. What is your largest endocrine gland?
a. Pituitary c. liver
b. Pancreas d. spleen
7. What is a common problem/diseaseinvolving endocrine system?
a. Hemophilia c. diabetes
b. Dengue d. Covid 19
8. What hormone does the pancreas make?
a. Insulin c. Growth hormones
b. Adrenaline d. Sugar
9. Where can you find the pituitary gland?
a. In your left foot c. At the base of your brain
b. Next to your liver d. Near your heart and lungs
c.
10. Which gland makes hormones that help you grow and stay full of energy?
a. Thyroid c. Muscle
b. Adrenal d. Pituitary

LET’S ANALYZE
1. Give at least two hormones produced by your pituitary gland, and what are there function?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
2. What gland is considered as the master of all glands and why?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

IN A NUTSHELL
1. What will happen to you if you have over production of hormone and less production of
hormone (focus one gland and hormone)?
 ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

Q AND A LIST
This section provides a venue for you to write down any questions or issue in the chemical basis of
life and the biomolecules in the course of biological science. After our learning and activities you are
tasked to participate to write down any clarification then answer to the questions or issue raised the
result will be of great help. (Confidentiality is also observe.).

Do you have any question for clarification?

Questions/Issues Answers

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

KEYWORDS INDEX
Listed below are keywords that will help you in recalling or reviewing the topics discussed.

Gland Hormone

Big Picture in Focus: ULOb. Determine the activities of lymphatic system in the human body.

METALANGUAGE
 Lymph is drained progressively towards larger vessels until it reaches the two main channels, the
lymphatic ducts in our trunk. From there, the filtered lymph fluid returns to the blood in the veins.
 Lymph nodes - A small bean-shaped structure that is part of the body's immune system. Lymph
nodes filter substances that travel through the lymphatic fluid, and they contain lymphocytes (white
blood cells) that help the body fight infection and disease.
 Tonsils - These produce lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, and antibodies.
 Spleen plays a role in the production of white blood cells that form part of the immune system.
 Thymus gland is a lymphatic organ and an endocrine gland that is found just behind the sternum. It
secretes hormones and is crucial in the production, maturation, and differentiation of immune T
cells.
 T cells - A type of white blood cell that is of key importance to the immune system and is at the core
of adaptive immunity, the system that tailors the body's immune response to specific pathogens.
The T cells are like soldiers who search out and destroy the targeted invaders.
 Bone marrow is not lymphatic tissue, but it can be considered part of the lymphatic system because
it is here that the B cell lymphocytes of the immune system mature.
 Lymphatic vessels- A thin tube that carries lymph (lymphatic fluid) and white blood cells through the
lymphatic system.
 Osmotic pressure -is the pressure which needs to be applied to a solution to prevent the inward
flow of water across a semipermeable membrane.
 Diffuse or diffusion - physical process that refers to the net movement of molecules from a region of
high concentration to one of lower concentration.
 Edema – in Bisaya “Hupong”
 Interstitial fluid – a Fluid found in the spaces around cells.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE
XIV. Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and
other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid
containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body.
 Functions of the Lymphatic System
1. The removal of excess fluids from body tissues. ...
2. Absorption of fatty acids and subsequent transport of fat, chyle, to the circulatory system.
3. Production of immune cells (such as lymphocytes, monocytes, and antibody producing cells
called plasma cells).
 Fig. 41: The Lymphatic System
Lymphatic Pathways
The lymphatic vessels carry lymph, which has the same composition as tissue fluid. The arrows in
figure 41 show that tissue fluid begins forming when fluid leaves the arterial end of a blood capillary due
to blood pressure. Fluid enters the venous end of a capillary due to osmotic pressure. However, more
fluid exits than enters a blood capillary. This excess tissue fluid, which contains not only water but also
solutes that have diffused from a blood capillary. Is taken up by lymphatic capillaries lying near blood
capillaries. A swelling called edema results whenever too much tissue fluid forms and or not enough are
taken away. Take note the lymphatic capillaries are close-ended. This is what makes the lymphatic
system one-way system.
Lymphatic Vessels and Ducts
The lymphatic capillaries join to form larger lymphatic vessels, which have a structure comparable to
that of cardiovascular veins, including the presence of valves. Like cardiovascular veins, movement
within lymphatic vessels is dependent upon skeletal muscle contraction, respiratory movements, and
valves that prevent backward flow. Furthermore, lymphatic vessels have valves. The flow of lymph in
lymphatic capillaries is interrupted by lymph nodes. Lymph always passes through at least one lymph
node before it enters a lymphatic duct.
Lymph Capillaries
As blood passes through the tissues of the body, it enters thin-walled capillaries to facilitate diffusion
of nutrients, gases, and waste. Blood plasma also diffuses through the thin capillary walls and penetrates
into the spaces between the cells of the tissues. Some of this plasma diffuses back into the blood of the
capillaries, but a considerable portion becomes embedded in the tissues as interstitial fluid. To prevent
the accumulation of excess fluids, small dead-end vessels called lymphatic capillaries extend into the
tissues to absorb fluids and return them to circulation.

Lymph
The interstitial fluid picked up by lymphatic capillaries is known as lymph. Lymph very close resembles
the plasma found in veins: it is a mixture of about 90% water and 10% solute such as proteins, cellular
waste products, dissolved gases and hormones. Lymph may also contain bacterial cells that are picked
up from diseased tissue and white blood cells that fight these pathogens.

Lymphatic Vessels
Lymphatic capillaries merge together into larger lymphatic vessel to carry lymph through the body.
The structure of lymphatic vessels closely resemble that of veins: they both have thin walls and many
check valves due to their shared function of carrying fluids under low pressure. Lymph is transported
through lymphatic vessels by the skeletal muscle pump- contractions of skeletal muscles constrict the
vessels to push the fluid forward. Check valves prevent the fluid from flowing back toward the lymphatic
capillaries.

Lymph Circulation
One of the primary function of the lymphatic system is the movement of interstitial fluid from the
tissues to the circulatory system. Like the veins of the circulatory system, lymphatic capillaries and
vessels move lymph with very little pressure to help with circulation. To help move lymph towards the
lymphatic ducts, there is a series of many one-way check valves found throughout the lymphatic vessels.
These check valves allow lymph to move toward the lymphatic ducts and close when lymph attempts to
flow away from the ducts. In the limb, skeletal muscle contraction squeezes the walls of lymphatic
vessels to push lymph through the valves and towards the thorax. In the trunk, the diaphragm pushes
down into the abdomen during inhalation. This increased abdominal pressure pushes lymph into the less
pressurized thorax. The pressure gradient reverse during exhalation, but the check valves prevent lymph
from being pushed backwards.

Self-Help: You can also refer to the sources below to help you further understand the lesson.

1. Bauer, R.C., Birk, J.P. & Marks, P.S. (2016). Introductory to chemistry. New York: McGraw Hill
2. Karp G. (2014). Cell biology (7th ed.). Hoboken, N.J. : John Wiley & Sons Singapore Pte. Ltd.
3. Lewis, R. (2012). Human genetics : Concepts and applications (11th ed.). New York : McGraw Hill.
4. Mader, S.S., & Windelspecht, M. (2015). Essentials of biology (4th ed.). New York : McGraw Hill.
5. Marieb, E.N., Mitchell, S.J., & Smith, L.A. (2014). Essentials of human anatomy and physiology
(10th ed.).Singapore : Pearson Ed. South Asia.
6. Marieb, E.N., Mitchell, S.J., & Smith, L.A. (2014). Human anatomy and physiology laboratory manual
(10th ed.). Singapore : Pearson Ed. South Asia.
7. McMurry, J.F. (2013). Organic chemistry : A biological approach (2nd ed.). Andover : Cengage
Learning.
8. Reece, J.B. Taylor, M.R. Simon, E.J. & Dicky, J.L. (2012). Campbell biology : Concepts and
connections (7th ed.). Boston : Pearson
9. Rodwell, V.W., Bender, D.A., Botham, K.M., Kennelly, P.J., & Weil, P.A. (2015). Harper’s
illustrated biochemistry (30th ed.). New York : McGraw Hill.
10. Stoker, H.S. (2013). Explaining general organic and biological chemistry (2nd ed.). Singapore :
Cengage Learning.
11. Tortora, G.J., & Derrickson, B. (2011). Anatomy and physiology : Maintenance and continuity of
the human body. Hoboken, N.J. : John Wiley & Sons (Asia) Pte. Ltd.
12. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/303087#definition
13. https://youtu.be/QD9AdNXSQe4

LET’S CHECK
Answer the following briefly and consice.
1. What is lymph?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. What is the normal composition of lymph?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. How the composition of lymph does differs from that of blood?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

LET’S ANALYZE
Discuss the following briefly.
1. What is the role of the thymus in human body?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
 ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

IN A NUTSHELL

1. Lucy has recently been diagnosed with a swelling in her lower legs that is known as edema.
Which of the following would be the cause of her edema?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
2. When you got sick or fever, sometimes lymph nodes appeared mostly in your joint area. It is
advisable to prick that nodules during “hilot”?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Q AND A LIST
This section provides a venue for you to write down any questions or issue in the chemical basis of
life and the biomolecules in the course of biological science. After our learning and activities you are
tasked to participate to write down any clarification then answer to the questions or issue raised the
result will be of great help. (Confidentiality is also observe.).
Do you have any question for clarification?

Questions/Issues Answers

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

KEYWORDS INDEX
Listed below are keywords that will help you in recalling or reviewing the topics discussed.
Lymph Nodules

Interstitial fluid Osmosis

Diffuse Edema

Ducts Vessels