- System of glands throughout the body
- Secretes hormones into the bloodstream which are sent to target cells and organs
- Helps to regulate the activity of cells and organs in the body, and controls vital physiological processes in the body
- Works differently to the nervous system
- Doesn’t use nerves to transmit information
- Uses blood vessels to deliver hormones to their target sites in the body
Hormones
- Control bodily and physiological processes in the human body
- Each hormone stimulates a particular part of the body
- Too much or too little of a particular hormone can result in dysfunction of bodily systems
- I.e., too high a level of cortisol can lead to depression and high blood pressure
Glands
Pituitary Gland (‘Master Gland’)
- Controls the release of hormones from all endocrine glands in the body
- Produces hormones which stimulate the release of hormones from other glands
Adrenal Glands
Adrenal Cortex
- Produces cortisol
- Regulates/supports a variety of bodily functions
- Cortisol production increases in response to stress
- Low cortisol levels lead to low blood pressure, poor immune system and the inability to deal with stress
Adrenal Medulla
- Releases adrenaline and noradrenaline
- Prepare the body for fight or flight (short-term stress)
- I.e., increasing heart rate, increasing blood flow to muscles and brain, converting glycogen to glucose for energy
- Constricts blood vessels causing blood pressure to increase