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HORMONAL CORDINATION

OBJECTIVES

6.5.1.1 distinguish between exocrine and endocrine gland

6.5.1.2 identify and label on diagram the endocrine glands of the human body
6.5.1.3 define a hormone as a chemical substance, produced by a gland, carried by the
blood, which alters the activity of one or more specific target organs and is then
destroyed by the liver
6.5.1.4 name the hormones produced by the glands in the body
6.5.1.5 discuss the functions of insulin, glucagon, adrenaline, oestrogen, and testosterone
hormones.
6.5.1.6 compare and contrast the nervous and endocrine systems
6.5.1.7 explain the concept of negative feedback.

A hormone is a chemical substance produced by a gland carried in the blood, which alters the
activity of one or more specific target organs.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXOCRINE & ENDOCRINE GLANDS

The exocrine glands are those glands which have ducts, i.e. their secretions are passed through
ducts onto the epithelial surface e.g. tear gland, salivary gland etc. The endocrine glands are
ductless (do not have ducts) and their secretions are carried by the blood.
EXAMPLES OF ENDOCRINE GLANDS & THE HORMONES THEY PRODUCE

GLAND HORMONE
Thyroid Thyroxin
Adrenal Adrenaline
Pituitary ADH, FSH, TSH
Pancreas Insulin, glucagon
Testis Testosterone ADH – Antidiuretic Hormone
Ovaries Oestrogen, FSH – Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Progesterone TSH – Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
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locations of glands

Function of Insulin
- Insulin reduces the blood glucose level, when its high (regulates the amount of glucose
level in the blood) by stimulating the liver cells to take up glucose from the blood & convert
it to glycogen & stored.

Function of glucagon
- it raises the blood glucose level, when its low by stimulating the liver cells to convert the
stored glycogen to glucose.

Functions of adrenaline
This is commonly known as Flight or Fight hormone because it prepares the body for action. It has
the following effects;

Target organ and effects of adrenaline

 Heart -beats faster to sends more glucose and oxygen to the muscles, so that there is more
energy available.
 Breathing center of the brain- faster and deeper breathing increased oxygenation of the
blood; rapid removal of carbon dioxide.
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 Arterioles of the skin- constricts them so less blood goes to the skin so that more is
available to the muscles.
 Arterioles of the digestive system -constricts them so that less blood flow to the digestive
system allowing more to reach the muscles.
 Muscles of alimentary canal relax -peristalsis and digestion slow down, so more energy is
available for action.
 Muscles of body tenses them -ready for immediate action.
 Liver -conversion of glycogen to glucose so more glucose is available in blood for energy
release, to allow metabolic activity to increase.
 Fat deposits -conversion of fats to fatty acids, available in blood for muscle contraction

The above-mentioned effects help to provide more glucose & more oxygen to the working muscles.
Ref pg 170 (text book)
Adrenaline is quickly converted by the liver to a less active compound, which is excreted
by the kidneys. All hormones are similarly altered and excreted, some within minutes,
others within days. Thus, their effects are not long-lasting.

Function of testosterone
- Regulates the development of the male secondary sexual characteristics e.g., enlargement
of sex organs, growth of facial hair (beard), muscle enlargement, deepening of the voice It
controls the production & development of sperms etc.

Functions of oestrogen

- It is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in females, e.g.

armpit & pubic hair, development of breasts, broadening of hips, enlargement of vagina
etc
- It rebuilds the uterus lining after menstruation.

Function of progesterone

- It maintains the uterus lining thick by increasing the blood vessels, preparing the uterus for
implantation.

Comparison between the Nervous & the Endocrine Systems

NERVOUS SYSTEM ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Information passes as electrical impulses Information passes as a chemical substances
(hormone)
Transmission is through the nerves Transmission is through the blood

Rapid Transmission & immediate responses e.g. Slow transmission & usually slow response e.g.
blinking of the eye growth
The response is short lived The response is long lasting

The response is exact since impulses are sent The response is usually widespread because
directly to target organs hormones are dispersed throughout the body
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NEGATIVE FEEDBACK

The Incoming message triggers the release of another message, which brings about a negative
change (of opposite effect).
Example;
- When the blood sugar level is high, the pancreas is stimulated to produce insulin which in
term stimulates the liver cells to convert excess glucose to glycogen and reduce the blood
sugar level.

- The Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secreted by the pituitary gland stimulates the
ovaries to produce oestrogen, but the moment the oestrogen level increases the
production of FSH stops, which in turn will lead to a decrease in oestrogen level. Refer to
the figure below