Endocrine System A system of glands, each of which secretes a type of hormone to regulate the body. The endocrine system is an information signal system.

Major Parts of Endocrine System (male on the left, Female on the right) Pineal Gland Pituitary Gland Thyroid gland Thymus Adrenal gland Pancreas Ovary Testes

Basic Facts about the Endocrine System The main parts of the endocrine system are the hormones and glands. As the body's chemical messengers, hormones transfer information and instructions from one set of cells to another. Although many different hormones circulate throughout the bloodstream, each one affects only the cells that are programmed to receive and respond to its message. Hormone levels can be influenced by factors such as stress, infection, and changes in the fluid and minerals in blood.

Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland The hypothalamus is a collection of specialized cells that is located in the lower central part of the brain, is the primary link between the endocrine and nervous systems. Nerve cells in the hypothalamus control the pituitary gland by producing chemicals that either stimulate or suppress hormone secretions from the pituitary. The pituitary gland is located right under the brain. It is the master gland and controls ALL the other endocrine glands. It produces growth hormones and helps a mother produce milk when she has a baby.

Thyroid glands Located below the voice box Regulates body’s pace- fast or slow Produces hormone Thyroxine Controls the rate at which food is turned into energy (or that you burn calories) Controls body temperature, hunger and thirst. Determines how much calcium in blood and bones

Adrenal glands Located right on top of Kidneys Controls flow of energy Releases adrenaline Controls your body during stressful situations

Reproductive Glands Ovaries are the female reproductive glands They are located on either side of the uterus They produce ova (or eggs) They produce the hormone estrogen.

Reproductive Glands Male reproductive gland Located outside of body in the scrotum They produce sperm The hormone produced is testosterone Males have 2 testicles

Thymus and Pancreas The thymus is located right in front of the heart. It is most active right before puberty. It works with the immune system If it is not working, it does not reject germs and it lets them into the body. The pancreas is located below the stomach. It is a gland that produces insulin. It controls your metabolism If it is not working, you may have a problem digesting and controlling sugar intake.