Your ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
works with your nervous system to help REGULATE your body's homeostasis.
The nervous system uses nerves, but the endocrine uses hormones (chemicals).these
chemicals are secreted directly into the blood stream where they move to
"target cells"where they will create a response."
The PITUITARY gland is called the "master gland" because
it controls some other glands as well. It produces TSH (thyroid stimulating
hormone), that stimulates the thyroid to make the hormone thyroxin. It
produces FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), that stimulates the developmentof
eggs in the ovaries of females and production of sperm cells in the testies
of males.It also makes Human Growth Hormone that regulates growth of bone
& cartilage.
The ADRENAL glands, which sit on top of each kidney,
produces 2 hormones: adrenalinethat is responsible for your "flight or
fight" response; and cortisol, that plays a role in regulating glucose
level in the blood.
The PANCREAS, or more exactly some cells in it called
the Islets of Langerhans, produce2 hormones that work together to regulate
the blood sugar level. Insulin helps sugar move fromthe blood INTO your
body cells. Glucagon ("glucose be gone!_ helps sugar move back into the
bloodstream by changing glycogen back into glucose.
The THYROID, located in the neck, produces thyroxin whish
regulateds the rate of metabolism in the body.
The PARATHYROIDS, 4 tiny glands embedded in the thyroid
gland, produces parathormone, which regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism.
The GONADS, OVARIES and TESTIES, are the producers of
sex hormones. ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. The testies produce
testosterone. You will need to learn about disorders of the endocrine system.
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