The Endocrine System

In this lesson:  You will learn about the endocrine system and how it works  You will have a chance to make your own model of the endocrine system

How the system communicates  The organs of the endocrine system communicate with each other and the rest of the body using hormones.  Hormones are made and stored in their originating organ. The place they are sent is called the target.  Targets can be anything from all the bones in the body to another endocrine organ.  When the hormones reach their target, they trigger events in that location.

Hypothalamus and Pituitary Hypothalamus Located in the brain, the hypothalamus releases hormones which stimulate or suppress the production of other hormones throughout the body. Pituitary The pituitary is a small body that hangs in the central area of the brain. It produces hormones which help control the body’s water and electrolyte levels, help with childbirth, trigger the production of sex hormones, and promote body growth.

Thyroid and Parathyroid Thyroid The thyroid is located around the esophagus. It creates hormones which control metabolic processes in all cells and control blood calcium levels. Parathyroid The parathyroid is a group of small glands that are found on the thyroid and emit hormones which help regulate calcium throughout the body. If levels get too low the bones will be instructed to release more; if the levels get too high the bones are told to absorb the extra calcium.

Adrenal Gland Kidneys The adrenal gland is really two glands, which are situated on top of either kidney. The adrenal gland makes hormones which regulate the body’s water and electrolyte levels as well as hormones which control the metabolism of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. The most noticeable thing it does is protect the body from…

Pancreas The pancreas is located between the two kidneys. Produces hormones which adjust carbohydrate metabolism. When blood sugar levels rise (after you eat) insulin lowers the levels; when blood sugar levels are low (if you haven’t eaten all day) glucagons raises the blood levels.

Ovaries and Testes Testes Testes are found in the scrotum of males. They generate hormones which facilitate the development of male reproductive organs and produce sperm. Ovaries Ovaries are found in the abdomen of women. They produce hormones which assist with the development of the female reproductive organs and prepare the uterus for pregnancy.

Let’s Build A Model  By building a model of the endocrine system, you can show how the hormones travel through the body and different areas are affected.

Supplies One piece of butcher paper, longer than you are tall Markers, pencils, or pens Play-Doh or modeling clay String

Procedure  Working in partners, have one student lie down on the butcher paper. Outline their body with markers, pens or crayons.

Procedure (2)  Shape the organs of the endocrine system in Play-Doh or modeling clay.  Place the organs in the correct places on the drawing you have made.

Procedure (3)  Use pieces of string to draw paths showing where the hormones travel from their originating organ to their target. Draw target areas on the drawing if it will help show where the hormones are acting.

Procedure (4)  Select an organ of the endocrine system to present to the class. Each group should explain one organ’s function.  Write a short description of the organ’s location and function.  Show the rest of the class your model of the endocrine system and discuss your chosen organ.