Endocrine System

Endocrine System

Endocrine SystemThe endocrine system is composed of glands and regulates the body by releasing hormones directly into the bloodstream to control body functions such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism.

Endocrine SystemThere are over 30 hormones secreted by the endocrine system that even regulate body functions such as mood. When a person is frightened or anxious, a hormone called adrenaline releases into the bloodstream. This hormone speeds the breathing and heart rate, transporting more oxygen to the muscles. As a result, the body creates what is known as the fight or flight response. This prepares your body to either fight or get away from whatever is frightening you. These hormones also regulate body temperature, sleep, and stress.

Where are the glands?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Outline-body.png4Pineal

PinealThe pineal gland produces melatonin that helps to regulate wake/sleep patterns.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pituitary_gland_image.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Outline-body.png5Pituitary

PituitaryThe pituitary gland produces a growth hormone which controls growth and homeostasis.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pituitary_gland_image.pnghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Outline-body.png6Parathyroid

ParathyroidThe parathyroid gland produces parathormone which controls calcium levels in the body.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illu_thyroid_parathyroid.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Outline-body.png7Thyroid

ThyroidThe thyroid gland produces thyroxin to regulate metabolism.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thyroid_gland-fr.svghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Outline-body.png8Thymus

ThymusThe thymus gland produce hormones that stimulate the production of infection-fighting cells.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illu_adrenal_gland.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Outline-body.png9Adrenals

AdrenalsAdrenalsThe adrenal glands produce adrenaline in response to physical and emotional stress. Fight or Flight

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illu_adrenal_gland.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Outline-body.png10Pancreas

PancreasThe pancreas produces insulin which controls sugar levels in the blood.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pancreas_nih.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Outline-body.png11Testes (in males)

TestesThe testes produce testosterone used in sperm production and the development of male traits.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Outline-body.png12Ovaries (in Females)

OvariesThe ovaries produce estrogen used in egg production and the development of female traits.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Outline-body.png13Endocrine System FactsWithout glands, there would be no sweat, mucus, and chemical juices in your body. For girls, puberty generally begins sometime between ages 9-13.For boys, puberty generally begins between ages 10-15.