Hormones are protein secreted from endocrine glands in our body.

They are chemical messengers secreted directly into the blood stream, which carry them to their target cells/organs in another part of the body.

3.3 THE ROLE OF HORMONES IN HUMANS

 Hormones are release in small quantities. Hormones are specific in action, acting only on their target cells. Hormones are slow to act but their effects also last longer.

Endocrine

The

System

The endocrine system is made up of endocrine glands, which secrete hormones to coordinate body activities in response to stimuli from the environment. It works together and complement the nervous system form body coordination.

Hormones Hormones!!!

 Endocrine gland are ductless glands. They do not secrete hormones through ducts. The hormones are secreted directly into the blood stream, which distribute them all over the body. Each glands secreted different types of hormones.

Human Endocrine System

Function of hormones can be divided into three main categories: o Reproduction o Growth o homeostasis

Regulation of Hormone secretion

Hormone secretion is need to be regulated to prevent over-production and under production. Hormone secretion is regulated by: Other hormones Level of certain substances in the body Signals from the nervous system

 The pituitary gland is regarded as the master of the endocrine gland because it secretes several hormones that control other endocrine gland. However the pituitary gland has its own master the hypothalamus.

 hormone secretion regulated by the negative feedback mechanism: when gland X releases hormone X, this stimulates target cells to release hormone Y. When there is an excess of hormone Y, gland X "senses" this and inhibits its release of hormone X.

Fight & Flight situation

When a person is in a stressful situation, the nervous & endocrine systems both will work together to bring about immediate responses to cope with the approaching danger.

Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance can be result of too much (excessive) or too little (deficiency) of hormones produced. Because the endocrine system coordinates long term changes in our body, any imbalance in the production of hormones affects our health.

Pituitary Gland

Function: It secretes nine hormones that directly regulate many body functions and controls functions of other glands. Disorders: To much growth hormones (GH) in early childhood can result in a condition called gigantism. To little GH can result in Pituitary Dwarfism.

Robert Wadlow

Thyroid Gland
Function: plays a major role in regulation the bodys metabolism.

Disorders: If the Thyroid Gland produces to much Thyroxin, it can cause a condition known as Hyperthyroidism. If to little thyroxin produces it is called Hypothyroidism.

Pancreas
Function: The Insulin and Glycogen in the Pancreas help to keep the level of glucose in the blood stable. Disorders: When the Pancreas fails to produce or properly use Insulin, it can cause a condition known as Diabetes Mellitus.

Adrenal Gland
Functions: -The adrenal glands release Adrenaline in the body that helps prepare for and deal with stress. -Also regulates kidney function.

Ovaries
Functions:
Pair of reproductive organs found in women that produce eggs. Also secrete estrogen and progesterone, which control ovulation and menstruation.

Testes
Functions: Pair of reproductive glands that produces sperm. Also secrete Testosterone to give the body its masculine characteristics.

Interaction of Glands
The hypothalamus is located in the brain and controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. It is an important link between the endocrine and nervous systems.

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