The endocrine system

3rd ESO
The endocrine system
It is made by endocrine glands.

These glands release hormones to the

bloodstream.

Hormones reach all the body due to the way they

travel.

Only have effect on the

target cells.
The endocrine system
Nervous system vs endocrine
system. Both are coordinated and
participate in interaction.
Hormone: chemical substance
produced by endocrine glands
with an specific function on its
target cells.
Small amounts have important
effects on the organism.

Characteristic Nervous system Endocrine system

Nervous impulse Hormone (chemical

Type of signal
(electricity) substance)

Speed of action Fast Slow

Last of the action Short time Long time

The endocrine system
HYPOTHALAMUS: it is a part of the brain stem. It connects the nervous system
with the endocrine system through the pituitary gland.

Hypothalamus: electric
signal

Pituitary: release
Stimulating Hormones
(SH)

Other endocrine glands:

release hormones
The endocrine system
Endocrine gland Hormones produced Functions

Pituitary posterior lobe

Pituitary anterior lobe

Thyroid gland

Parathyroid gland

Endocrine pancreas

Adrenal glands

Ovaries

Testicles
Pituitary posterior lobe

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): it

reduces the amount of water lost
through urine.

Oxytocin: it makes the uterus contract

during the delivery of the baby.

Prolactin: stimulates the production of

milk.
Pituitary anterior lobe
Stimulating hormones (SH):
these activates other glands.
TSH, PTSH, ASH, PSH, LSH,
FSH.
Growth hormone (GH): it
enhances the growth of bones.
Too much of GH ⇒
gigantism
A deficit of GH ⇒ dwarfism
Thyroid
Thyrosine: it stimulates metabolism.

If there is a lack in its production ⇒

hypothyroidism

If there is too much of its production ⇒

hyperthyroidism
Parathyroid
They are four little gland attached to the back of the thyroid gland.

Parathyroid hormone: it controls the levels of Ca and P in blood and bones.

Pancreas
Endocrine part:
Insulin: reduces the
amount of glucose in
blood.
Glucagon: increases the
amount of glucose in
blood.
Exocrine part: digestive
The hormones are produced in the Islets of
enzymes. Langerhans.

If they don’t work, there happens Diabetes

type I
Adrenal glands
Medulla:

Adrenaline: alert response of the body. Keep it

alert.

Cortex:

Corticosteroids: control some metabolic processes

and the amount of water in tissues.

Aldosterone: manages concentration of Na and K

in blood affecting the nephron.
Ovaries
Estrogens: produce and maintain female sexual traits.

Progesterone: ir prepares the uterus for the embryo to be implanted in.

Testicles
Testosterone: it produces and maintain the male sexual traits.