Structures and functions of the endocrine system Learning

Learning Target • I can identify the structures and functions of the endocrine system.

• The endocrine system is composed of ductless glands that secrete hormones that

• Hormones are chemical messengers that exert a specific influence on organs and

• The endocrine system regulates the body’s metabolism, growth, and reproductive systems.

• The system consists of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal

Pituitary Glands • The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain

Thyroid Gland • The thyroid gland, which is located near the larynx, regulates the

Parathyroid Glands • The parathyroid glands are located on the surface of the thyroid

Adrenal Glands • The adrenal glands are located near the kidney. The adrenal glands

Pancreas • The pancreas secretes hormones as well as digestive enzymes. Insulin, a protein

Gonads • Gonads, the testes in males and the ovaries in females, secrete the

Placenta • The placenta, the organ that unites the fetus to the uterus, secretes

Slides: 13

Download presentation

Structures and functions of the endocrine system

Learning Target • I can identify the structures and functions of the endocrine system.

• The endocrine system is composed of ductless glands that secrete hormones that are transported throughout the body by blood vessels.

• Hormones are chemical messengers that exert a specific influence on organs and other body tissues.

• The endocrine system regulates the body’s metabolism, growth, and reproductive systems.

• The system consists of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, gonads, and placenta.

Pituitary Glands • The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain near the hypothalamus. • The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland. • The pituitary gland is considered the master gland because it secretes many hormones that control other endocrine glands.

Thyroid Gland • The thyroid gland, which is located near the larynx, regulates the body’s metabolism and iodine uptake. • Thyroxine, a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland, influences body weight and lean tissue growth.

Parathyroid Glands • The parathyroid glands are located on the surface of the thyroid gland secrete parathormone (PTH), which regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

Adrenal Glands • The adrenal glands are located near the kidney. The adrenal glands secrete hormones to regulate metabolism, maintain blood pressure, and regulate sodium and potassium balance.

Pancreas • The pancreas secretes hormones as well as digestive enzymes. Insulin, a protein hormone secreted by the pancreas, lowers blood sugar. • Glucagons, a hormone formed in the pancreas of vertebrates, raises blood sugar and opposes the action of insulin.

Gonads • Gonads, the testes in males and the ovaries in females, secrete the hormones testosterone and estrogen respectively.

Placenta • The placenta, the organ that unites the fetus to the uterus, secretes relaxin to relax pelvic ligaments during parturition. • Parturition the birthing process.