Endocrine System and Blood Glucose Regulation

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, providing slower but more long-term coordination compared to the nervous system. This page covers the major endocrine glands and their functions, as well as the regulation of blood glucose levels.

Key endocrine glands and their functions include:

1. Pituitary gland: Controls growth, stimulates other glands, and regulates various hormones
2. Thyroid gland: Controls metabolic rate by secreting thyroxine
3. Pancreas: Regulates blood glucose levels
4. Adrenal glands: Prepare the body for stressful situations by secreting adrenaline
5. Ovaries: Control female secondary characteristics and the menstrual cycle
6. Testes: Control male secondary sexual characteristics and sperm production

Blood glucose regulation involves a negative feedback system:

• When blood glucose is too high, the pancreas produces insulin, which promotes glucose uptake by cells and conversion to glycogen in the liver
• When blood glucose is too low, the pancreas secretes glucagon, causing the liver to break down glycogen into glucose

Vocabulary: Negative feedback - A mechanism that works to maintain a steady state in the body by counteracting changes.

Example: Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn't secrete enough insulin, while Type 2 diabetes develops when the body stops responding to its own insulin.

Highlight: The endocrine system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis through hormone secretion and negative feedback mechanisms.