Endocrine System

What is the Endocrine System FOUNDATIONS OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM- Hormones and Glands REGULATES mood, growth/development, tissue function, metabolism, along with sexual functions and reproductive processes.

What are Hormones? HORMONES are chemicals, produced by glands, that tell your body when and how to function. Hormones can be looked at as the messenger in the human body. Hormones transfer information and instruction from one set of cells to another. Keep in mind, the levels of these hormones in your body can be effected by certain things such as: Stress and infections.

The “MASTER GLAND” Located in the bottom of your brain, there is a gland that makes many of the most important hormones in your body This “pea-shaped” gland is called the Pituitary Gland.

Why is it called the “Master Gland?” Some of the hormones produced by this gland, tell other glands when and how much of each hormone to make. The Growth Hormone is one of the most important pituitary hormones. This hormone causes muscles, bones and other organs to grow and also effects a persons height.

Glands in the Neck The Thyroid and Parathyroid glands are located at the bottom of your throat. Thyroid Gland-an endocrine gland which makes a hormone effecting the growth rate and energy use of your cells. It can make you burn up the energy you get from food quickly, or slow down this process to save energy.

Parathyroid Glands These four small glands are located underneath the surface of the thyroid gland. The glands make a hormone controlling the level of minerals in your blood and bones.

Abdominal Glands Adrenal Glands- endocrine glands that are made up of 2 glands (one inside the other) The inner part makes the “fight or flight” reaction. Fight or Flight-adrenaline pumps into your releasing stored up energy giving you the strength to “fight” or run away from danger. The outer part controls the way your body uses carbohydrates, proteins and fats. These hormones also control the mineral and water balance in the body.

Abdominal Glands…Continued… The Pancreas makes hormones that help digest food you have eaten. Insulin is the pancreas’ most important hormone. This controls the way your body uses sugar. (Keep in mind, the pancreas is a part of the endocrine and digestive system) If the pancreas does NOT make enough insulin, this can cause diabetes. A person with diabetes has difficulty controlling the level of sugar in their blood.

Sex Glands (Females) Ovaries-in females, they make hormones that start the development of a girl turning into a woman. Inside the ovaries, eggs mature and female sex hormones are produced. These hormones are known as Estrogen and Progesterone. Estrogen is the MAIN FEMALE HORMONE responsible for sexual characteristics, such as breasts, during puberty. Estrogen and Progesterone play a part in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Sex Glands (Females)…Continued… Mammary Glands-located in the woman’s breasts Main Purpose-to make breast milk. Breast milk is full of nutrients for a newborn baby that help it to grow and fight infection. (Keep in mind- all the hormones mentioned are regulated by the Pituitary Gland).

Sex Glands (Males) Testes-make sperm and testosterone Testosterone-the MAIN male hormone responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics during puberty.

Puberty The overall change from a child’s body, to an adult body. Start and End time of Puberty: Girls usually begin when they are 8 to 13 years old. Girls usually finish when they are 15 to 17 years old Boys usually begin when they are 10 to 15 years old Boys usually end when they are 17 to 18 years old *There is no normal time for a person to start puberty.*

Changes, Changes and more Changes The pituitary gland begins puberty by sending out hormones telling the ovaries and testes to make their own hormones. These hormones effect the reproductive system which causes the body to change.

The changes in BOYS and GIRLS New hair growth (under arms, on legs and near private areas) Increase in oil from the oil glands making the skin oily which causes pimples (acne). Arms/feet/legs can grow faster than the rest of the body making boys and girls feel “clumsy.” Height and Weight gain. Extra layer of fat under the skin-gives protection to bones and organs. Increased sweating. Voice changes: -Girls voices-lower/richer -Boys voices-deeper and voice cracks during speaking

The changes in BOYS Wider shoulders and more developed muscles. Growth of hair on face During puberty, a boys body is able to make mature sperm (causing pregnancy in girls). Boys become fertile all the time.

The changes in GIRLS Girls develop a thicker layer of fat when compared to boys. Hips and breasts become larger preparing a girls body to have babies. (Trying to get rid of these changes through dieting is not a good idea; It’s natural). During puberty, the girls body makes estrogen instructing the body it’s time to change into a woman. Start of the Menstrual Cycle- (begins on the first day of her period and ends when the next period starts. (Girls can get pregnant the few days each month she is fertile)

KEY TERMS Adrenal Glands -organs that make adrenaline Adrenaline - “fight or flight” hormone Estrogen -main female hormone Glands -small organs that make chemicals to help your body function in many ways. Growth hormones -chemicals causing bones, muscles and other organs to grow. Hormones-chemicals that tell your body when/how to function. Insulin- hormone that controls how your body uses sugar. Mammary Glands-found in woman’s breast, makes milk for infants. Ovaries-main sex glands in females Pancreas-organ that makes hormones helping food digestion.

KEY TERMS CONTINUED…. Parathyroid glands-small organs that make a hormone controlling the level of minerals in the blood/bones. Pituitary Gland- “master gland,” controls the other glands in your body Puberty- stage of life when a person begins to mature sexually/when a child’s body changes into an adult’s. Testes- main sex glands in males Testosterone-main male hormone Thyroid Gland-gland that makes hormones affecting the bodies growth and energy usage.