Main Organ Structures in Endocrine System
This is a structure deep within your brain (which is an organ). It’s the main link between your endocrine system and your nervous system. It makes two hormones that your pituitary gland stores and releases (oxytocin and vasopressin) and makes and releases two hormones (dopamine and somatostatin).
Hypothalamus
How does your body know when to speed up or slow down its metabolism after you eat or exercise?
After eating, the pancreas releases insulin to help cells absorb glucose for energy. When you're fasting or exercising, glucagon is released to increase blood sugar for energy.
The pineal gland, which regulates sleep, is only about the size of a
grain of rice
a fist
an ear
tennis ball
grain of rice!
It works with the ---- because hormones travel through the bloodstream, making the heart and blood vessels essential for hormone delivery.
cardiovascular system
What is the most common disease linked with the endocrine system?
Diabetes
This organ is in the back of your abdomen. It’s both an organ and a gland and is also part of your digestive system. It releases two hormones that are essential to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels: insulin and glucagon.
Pancreas
What makes your bones grow taller during childhood and stop at adulthood?
GH stimulates the growth of bones and tissues during childhood and adolescence. Estrogen and testosterone also contribute to bone growth and close growth plates when puberty ends.
The hormone ----, produced by the pancreas, is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. Its discovery transformed diabetes from a fatal disease to a manageable condition.
insulin
It works with the ---- system because hormones regulate appetite, digestion, and the breakdown of food.
digestive
The thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and slow metabolism.
Hypothyroidism
This is a connective tissue that extends throughout your body. It’s found under your skin (subcutaneous fat), between your internal organs (visceral fat) and in the inner cavities of bones (bone marrow adipose tissue). Adipose tissue releases many different hormones, including leptin, angiotensin and adiponectin.
Adipose tissue (body fat)
Why do you feel a surge of energy and a racing heart when you’re scared or in danger?
When you sense danger, the adrenal glands release adrenaline, increasing heart rate and alertness. Cortisol is released to provide energy by breaking down fats and glucose.
Ever crave something salty or sweet? Hormones like ghrelin and leptin are responsible for sending those signals to your-----.
brain
It works with the ---- system because hormones influence muscle growth, energy use, and recovery.
muscular
The adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, leading to fatigue, low blood pressure, and darkening of the skin.
Addisons Disease
a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck, just below the Adam's apple. It plays a crucial role in your body's endocrine system by producing hormones that regulate various functions, including metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature.
thyroid
How does your body manage its immune response during stress or sickness?
The thymus gland produces thymosin for T-cell development, which fights infections. Cortisol from the adrenal glands can suppress inflammation during stress.
Oxytocin, released by the pituitary gland, is often called the "---- hormone" because it strengthens bonding and social connections—like between a mother and her newborn.
It works with the ---- system because hormones control bone growth and calcium levels.
skeletal
Overproduction of cortisol, often due to prolonged use of corticosteroid medication or tumors. Symptoms include weight gain, a rounded face, and high blood pressure.
Cushing's Syndrome
small, oval-shaped glands located on either side of your uterus. They produce and store your eggs (also called ovum) and make hormones that control your menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
ovaries
What makes you feel sleepy at night and awake during the day?
The pineal gland releases melatonin in response to darkness, making you feel sleepy. Exposure to light reduces melatonin production, keeping you awake and alert.
Ever notice how nervousness makes you sweat more? That's adrenaline in action, ramping down your sweat glands to cool your body during stressful situations.
True or False?
False! It ramps up your sweat glands to cool your body during stressful situations
It works with the ---- system because hormones control sexual development, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and sperm production.
reproductive
A condition in women caused by hormonal imbalances, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, and excess facial hair.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)