2. The endocrine system is a coordinator and effector system. It is made up of a set of endocrine glands which are named after the substances they produce, (hormones) which are secreted into the bloodstream (inner secretion).

3. Apart from the endocrine glands there is another type of gland called exocrine glands (like those of the digestive and respiratory organs) which release secretions out of the body or directly into a duct of the inner cavities of the organism. There are also mixed glands like the pancreas, which secretes pancreatic juice (exocrine secretion) and hormones (endocrine secretion) like insulin and glucagon.

4. Endocrine glands are glands of the endocrine system that secrete its products, hormones, directly into the blood rather than through a duct. The main endocrine glands include the pituitary gland (hypophysis), the pancreas, the ovaries, the testes, the thyroid gland, and the adrenal glands. The hypothalamus is a neuroendocrine organ. Other organs which are not so well known for their endocrine activity include the stomach, which produces hormones such as ghrelin.

5. Hormones are organic molecules made up of a variety of chemical compositions. Hormones coordinate, control and regulate different organs, which make the organism function properly as a whole.Hormones are organic molecules made up of a variety of chemical compositions. Hormones coordinate, control and regulate different organs, which make the organism function properly as a whole. Each hormone has an effect only on some specific cells, which are called target cells.Each hormone has an effect only on some specific cells, which are called target cells. The hormone-specific receptors are located in the cytoplasmic membrane or in the cytoplasm of the target cells. These receptors are made up of protein molecules where hormones bind to these receptors, resulting in the activation of a signal transduction mechanism that ultimately leads to cell type-specific responses.The hormone-specific receptors are located in the cytoplasmic membrane or in the cytoplasm of the target cells. These receptors are made up of protein molecules where hormones bind to these receptors, resulting in the activation of a signal transduction mechanism that ultimately leads to cell type-specific responses.

6. Both the endocrine and nervous systems coordinate the organism, but there are some differences between them:Both the endocrine and nervous systems coordinate the organism, but there are some differences between them: Nervous System Endocrine System The information is transmitted by nervous impulse (electric nature) The information is transmitted by the secretion of some substances (chemical nature) The action (effect) is fast The action (effect) is slower The action is short lasting The action is longer lasting Functions

7. The endocrine system also depends on the commands of the nervous system, mainly those coming from the Hypothalamus which is directly connected with the pituitary gland (also called hypophysis). Nervous system Endocrine system Coordination & regulation Hormones

8. Hormones are released and act in very little quantities, so small changes in these quantities can have an important impact. Therefore, hormone production levels are of high importance. The endocrine system controls hormone production as follows:

10. The pituitary gland is a gland that regulates the activity of other endocrine glands by releasing different Stimulating Hormones (SH) When an endocrine gland receives an SH it begins to produce a specific hormone (H), which carries out its specific action. The concentration of this hormone in the blood gets increasingly higher. When the hormone concentration is high enough it begins to have an effect on the pituitary itself, inhibiting the release of the SH. This is called a negative feed-back effect.

12. Pituitary gland: Occipital lobe: · The antidiuretic hormone (ADH) decreases the amount of water that is eliminated in the urine · Oxytocin: it is related with milk production in females, pregnancy, and orgasm. Frontal lobe: · Hormones that stimulate other glands · Growth Hormone (GH): promotes the elongation of bones and growth in general.

13. Thyroid and Parathyroid · Thyroxine: increases the intensity of metabolism · Parathyroid hormone: regulates calcium and phosphorus in the blood

14. Adrenal glands · Adrenaline: It conditions the body for strong physical activities and its actions are similar to those of the sympathetic nervous system. · Corticosteroids: It regulates various metabolic processes and the amount of water in tissues. · Aldosterone: It controls the concentration of sodium and potassium in the blood.

15. Pancreas · Insulin: increases the use of glucose by muscle and other tissues. · Glucagon: stimulates the conversion of liver glycogen into glucose, which is transferred to the blood.

16. Ovaries and Testes -Testicles ·Androgens: produce and maintain male sexual activities and characteristics. Testosterone: is a steroid hormone from the androgen group. - Ovaries · Estrogens: produce and maintain female sexual activities and characteristics. · Progesterone: allows the implantation of the embryo in the uterus.

17. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder related to the process that converts the food we eat into energy. Insulin is the most important factor in this process. During digestion food is broken down to obtain glucose, the main source of fuel for the body. This glucose enters the bloodstream, where insulin allows it to enter cells. (Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach). In people suffering from diabetes, one of the two following components of this system fails: The pancreas produces too little insulin or it doesn’t produce anything at all (Type I). The body's cells don’t respond to insulin that is produced (Type II).

18. Hypothyroidism is a situation in which there is an insufficient amount of circulating thyroid hormones. This is usually due to the functioning of the thyroid gland below its normal levels of activity. Hypothyroidism makes the thyroid gland grow (hyperplasia) which causes goitre. Hypothyroidism is the most common disease of the thyroid. Causes of Hypothyroidism Lack of iodine. thyroiditis. Thyroidectomy. Drugs. Congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism).

19. Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism (also called toxic goitre) is a situation in which there is an excessive amount of circulating thyroid hormones, usually due to the thyroid gland being overworked (an overactive thyroid). Causes of Hyperthyroidism ·Graves' disease (toxic diffuse goiter) ·Thyroiditis. ·Toxic nodules

20. - Do not use drugs - Avoid obesity - Consume enough iron with food Healthy habits

21. Inmaculada Marmolejo García María Martínez Morales Elena Castro Garrido Inmaculada Domínguez Rodríguez By