TheENDOCRINE

SYSTEM

• The endocrine system uses chemicals to control many systems and functions in your body

• Endocrine glands are the tissues of the endocrine system found throughout the body

• Hormones are the chemicals produced in endocrine glands

• The endocrine glands release hormones directly into the blood

ENDOCRINE GLANDS:

* Pineal gland – deep in the brain- produces melatonin- regulates sleep patterns

* Pituitary gland - attached to the hypothalamus in the forebrain

- affects growth, reproduction, and the functions of other glands

• Thyroid gland – below the larynx- regulates metabolism- promotes development of the

nervous system

• Parathyroid - attached to the thyroid- regulate calcium levels in the

body

• Thymus - in the upper chest- hormones produced in the thymus

stimulate the production of cells that fight infection

• Adrenal glands – on top of each kidney- produce a variety of hormones- help your body adapt to

physical and emotional stress (fight or flight)

• Pancreas - behind the stomach- produces insulin- controls sugar levels in the blood

• Testes (in males) – produce testosterone - controls the development of male sex traits - plays a role in sperm production

• Ovaries (in females) – produce estrogen and progesterone- control the development

of female sex traits- regulate the female reproductive cycle

Testes

Ovaries