THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

The Endocrine System controls many of the bodies daily activities as well as long term changes like development.

Endocrine Glands

Release hormones into the blood stream. Hormones turn on, turn off, speed up or

slow down the activities of different organs and systems.

They’re chemical messengers.

The Hypothalamus

Located near your brain. Links the nervous system to the

endocrine system. It controls the pituitary gland. Plays a major role in maintaining

homeostasis.

The Pituitary Gland

Located below your hypothalamus. Regulates body processes like: growth,

blood pressure and water balance.

Thyroid Gland

Located in your neck. Controls the release of energy from food

molecules during respiration in cells.

Adrenal Glands

Located above your kidneys. Produces the hormone adrenaline that

gets the body ready for action.

Pancreas

In addition to making bile for digestion, it also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon that control the level of glucose in the blood.

Parathyroid Glands

In your neck, next to the thyroid. Produce hormones that regulate calcium

in your blood.

Thymus

Located near your heart. Produces hormones that help you fight

infection.

Testes

Located…in boys. Produces the sex hormone testosterone

which controls the changes of a boy to a man.

Necessary for sperm production.

Ovaries

Located….in girls. Produces the sex hormone estrogen

which controls the changes of a girl to a woman.

Also helps in the development of eggs.

Check them out!

See pages 228-229 in book.