Understanding the Endocrine System and Hormone Regulation

The endocrine system functions through a sophisticated network of glands that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream. These chemical messengers target specific organs to regulate various bodily functions and maintain homeostasis through negative feedback mechanism in controlling blood glucose levels and other processes.

Definition: Hormones are chemical substances produced by glands and transported through the bloodstream to alter specific target organ activity.

Example: The adrenal glands produce adrenaline, which targets the heart to increase heart rate during stress responses.

Highlight: The pituitary gland, located at the brain's base, serves as the master gland of the endocrine system, coordinating multiple hormonal functions.

Vocabulary: ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) - A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that controls blood water content by affecting kidney function.

The major endocrine glands and their hormones include:

• Thyroid gland (produces thyroxine)
• Pancreas (produces insulin)
• Adrenal glands (produces adrenaline)
• Testes (produces testosterone)
• Ovaries (produce estrogen)

Example: In temperature regulation, when body temperature rises above the set point, corrective mechanisms like sweating are activated. Conversely, shivering occurs when temperature falls below the set point.

The document also details specific hormones and their functions:

• ADH: Controls blood water content through kidney regulation
• Adrenaline: Prepares body for fight or flight response
• Insulin: Regulates blood glucose levels through glycogen conversion