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16: Endocrine System

Last updated

Sep 15, 2022
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- 15.14: Websites
- 16.1: The Endocrine System

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Learning Objectives

After completing this section, you should know:

The characteristics of endocrine glands and hormones
The position of the main endocrine glands in the body
The relationship between the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus
The main hormones produced by the two parts of the pituitary gland and their effects on the body
The main hormones produced by the pineal, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands, the pancreas, ovary and testicle in regard to their effects on the body
What is meant by homeostasis and feedback control
The homeostatic mechanisms that allow an animal to control its body temperature, water balance, blood volume and acid/base balance

In order to survive, animals must constantly adapt to changes in the environment. The nervous and endocrine systems both work together to bring about this adaptation. In general the nervous system responds rapidly to short-term changes by sending electrical impulses along nerves and the endocrine system brings about longer-term adaptations by sending out chemical messengers called hormones into the blood stream.

16.1: The Endocrine System
In order to survive, animals must constantly adapt to changes in the environment. The nervous and endocrine systems both work together to bring about this adaptation. In general the nervous system responds rapidly to short-term changes by sending electrical impulses along nerves and the endocrine system brings about longer-term adaptations by sending out chemical messengers called hormones into the blood stream.
16.2: Endocrine Glands and Hormones
16.3: The Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus
The pituitary gland is a pea-sized structure that is attached by a stalk to the underside of the cerebrum of the brain (see diagram 16.2). It is often called the “master” endocrine gland because it controls many of the other endocrine glands in the body. However, we now know that the pituitary gland is itself controlled by the hypothalamus.
16.4: The Pineal Gland
16.5: The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is situated in the neck, just in front of the windpipe or trachea. It produces the hormone thyroxine, which influences the rate of growth and development of young animals. In mature animals it increases the rate of chemical reactions in the body.
16.6: The Parathyroid Gland
16.7: The Adrenal Gland
16.8: The Pancreas
16.9: The Ovaries
16.10: The Testes
16.11: Summary
16.12: Homeostasis and Feedback Control
16.13: Summary of Homeostatic Mechanisms
16.14: Endocrine System (Worksheet)
16.15: Endocrine System Worksheet Answers
16.16: Test Yourself
16.17: Websites

Thumbnail: Thyroid gland. (Public Domain; LadyofHats).

Learning Objectives

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