The Endocrine System Image from: mages-system/endocrine-system-01.gif

Function The body system that consists of glands and regulates your hormones. Hormones: Chemical messengers that are released into the bloodstream to control many of your body’s activities. Gland: A group of cells or an organ that releases a hormone.

Pituitary Gland Produces hormones that control other glands Produces hormones that control bone growth and movement of involuntary muscles. Image from: ages/ency/fullsize/17227.jpg

Adrenal Gland Two glands over the kidneys Control water balance Aid with digestion Secrete adrenaline, which helps the body respond quickly in an emergency. Fight or Flight? Image from: s/ahd4/jpg/A4adregl.jpg

Pancreas Produces digestive enzymes (insulin) and chemicals that control blood sugar levels Releases insulin, which lowers blood sugar by helping move sugar from blood into body cells for conversion to energy. Image from: ncy/fullsize/8883.jpg

Parathyroid Glands Four small glands on the thyroid Control the amounts of calcium and phosphorus in the body Image from: images/ency/fullsize/8890.jpg

Thyroid Glands Produce thyroxine, which controls metabolism. Image from: ullsize/8966.jpg

Ovaries Two female reproductive glands Produce egg cells Produce estrogen, the female sex hormone that controls development of secondary sex characteristics in females.

Testes Two male reproductive glands Produce sperm cells Produce testosterone, the male sex hormone that controls development of secondary sex characteristics in males.

Understanding How Your Body is Changing Puberty: A stage of growth and development when secondary sex characteristics appear in males and females. In females, this normally begins between the ages of 8 and 13 In males, this normally begins between the ages of 10 and 15

Secondary Sex Characteristics Males Increased height and muscle mass Deepening voice Increased perspiration Growth of facial, underarm, and pubic hair Females Increased height Increased perspiration Growth of underarm and pubic hair Enlargement of breast tissue Onset of menstruation Both males and females may experience changes in mood due to changing levels of hormones.

Diabetes mellitus The body produces little or no insulin or cannot use insulin Symptoms: Weight loss or gain Low energy Extreme thirst Frequent urination Three types: Type 1: occurs most often among children and adolescents Type 2: usually occurs during adulthood and is related to obesity Gestational: may occur during pregnancy Treatments include: Insulin replacement, change in diet and exercise.

Hyperthyroidism Excessive amounts of thyroxine are released into the body Makes your body systems work faster than they should Symptoms: Fatigue Weight loss Rapid heartbeat Muscle weakness Irritability Nervousness Treatments include medications, surgeries, and radiation

Hypothyroidism Not enough thyroxine is released into the body Forces the body systems to work slower than they should Symptoms: Weight gain Sluggishness Muscle weakness Difficulty concentrating Depression Treatment: medication (oral thyroxine)

Tips for Endocrine Health Get regular medical checkups Get enough rest and sleep Stay physically active every day Eat healthful meals