THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM By Vinnie Partridge, Nicholas Young, and Mercedes Smith
WHAT IS THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM? The Endocrine System, also referred to as the glandular system, is made up of multiple types of glands that produce hormones and chemical substances that regulate activity of cells and organs in the body. It regulates things such as metabolism and growth in the body. Most of the Endocrine system is located in the lower abdomen of the body. HELPFUL HINT: You ll need to know that the Endocrine System is also referred top the Glandular System
WHAT MAKES UP THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM? Pancreas- produces the hormone insulin and secretes it into the bloodstream where it regulates the body s glucose/ sugar level. Adrenal Gland- produces hormones you can t live without, like sex hormones and cortisol. Cortisol is what helps your body respond to stress and has many different functions. Pineal Gland- Produces melatonin and serotonin derived hormones. These hormones regulate sleep patterns. Reproductive Glands- a mixed gland that produces sex cells and sex hormones
MORE PARTS OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM Hypothalamus- governs functions such as temperature regulation, thirst, hunger, sleep, etc. Pituitary Gland- is a pea-sized gland in the brain that is known as the master gland because is it produces many different types of hormones and also stimulates other glands to produce hormones. Thyroid- located in the neck and produces hormones that regulates the body s metabolic rate, heart and digestive function, and muscle control. Parathyroids- 4 tinier versions of the thyroid located around the thyroid itself that controls calcium levels. It is about the size of a grain of rice. HELPFUL HINT: Our system is made up of 8 different organs
WHAT SYSTEMS DOES THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM WORK WITH? Circulatory System- The Endocrine system uses the Circulatory (Cardiovascular) system to transport chemicals and hormones throughout the body. Digestive system- The Digestive system turns carbohydrates into sugars. The pancreas then controls how fast your body regulates the breakdown of said sugars. Nervous System- The Endocrine System sends hormones to the nerve cells sending feedback to the brain. This tells your body how to react to a certain extent.
WHAT DISEASES EFFECT THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM? AND HOW IT IS TREATED FUN FACT: Beta Cells are cells located inside the pancreas, they are responsible for the produce, release, and store of insulin The two main diseases for the endocrine system are: Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) Thyroid Cancer Diabetes is when your body can t regulate glucose levels because your body doesn t produce enough insulin (Type 1), or when your body can t respond very well to insulin (Type 2). The pancreas is what usually regulates blood glucose levels.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR DIABETES AND THYROID CANCER? Diabetes treatment- People with diabetes have a special diet that controls blood sugar. They are also given oral medications to help with the disease. They are also given insulin, which is what their body has trouble producing. Thyroid Cancer treatment- Thyroid cancer can have similar treatments to other cancers, like surgery and radiation. Thyroid Cancer can also be treated by hormone therapy. Occasionally, and most of the time a last resort, people must go through chemotherapy to fight their thyroid cancer.
HOW CAN YOU KEEP YOUR SYSTEM HEALTHY? Quality Nutrition- Poor nutrition prevents organs and glands from functioning properly. Stop Stressing Stress causes some hormones to be produced too much, like adrenal hormones. If your body produces too much of these so called stress hormones, it can create negative symptoms such as weight gain, anxiety, and sleep dysfunction. Sometimes major effects can happen, like insomnia and clinical depression. Balanced Exercise Plan- too much exercise wears out the endocrine and adrenal systems. Too little exercise can prevent the heart from pumping enough blood to the Endocrine glands.
MORE WAYS TO KEEP YOUR SYSTEM HEALTHY No Dairy- Dairy products contain hormones that aren t supposed to be in your body. Those hormones are for cows, not humans! Sugar and tons of caffeine can weaken your liver, but also your blood and adrenal glands. It can also cause a sudden spike in insulin levels.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM The word hormone is only about a century old. They were just called chemicals until 2 men named William Bayliss and Ernest Starling noticed that chemicals were controlling the pancreas. Like the nervous system, the endocrine system is an informational signal system. Instead of using neurons, it uses chemical messengers called hormones.
MORE INTERESTING FACTS The Endocrine System also helps to protect your body by building immunity to disease. The pineal gland is also known as the third eye. Each hormone in your body has its own unique function.