Human Endocrine System – Class 11 | Chapter – 22 | Biology Short Notes Series PDF
Human Endocrine System: The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs located throughout the body. It’s similar to the nervous system in that it plays a vital role in controlling and regulating many of the body’s functions.
Organs in Human Endocrine System
The glands of Human Endocrine System are where hormones are produced, stored, and released. Each gland produces one or more hormones, which go on to target specific organs and tissues in the body.
The glands of the Human Endocrine System include the:
- Hypothalamus. While some people don’t consider it a gland, the hypothalamus produces multiple hormones that control the pituitary gland. It’s also involved in regulating many functions, including sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, and appetite. It can also regulate the function of other endocrine glands.
- Pituitary. The pituitary gland is located below the hypothalamus. The hormones it produces affect growth and reproduction. They can also control the function of other endocrine glands.
- Pineal. This gland is found in the middle of your brain. It’s important for your sleep-wake cycles.
- Thyroid. The thyroid gland is located in the front part of your neck. It’s very important for metabolism.
- Parathyroid. Also located in the front of your neck, the parathyroid gland is important for maintaining control of calcium levels in your bones and blood.
- Thymus. Located in the upper torso, the thymus is active until puberty and produces hormones that are important for the development of a type of white blood cell called a T cell.
- Adrenal. One adrenal gland can be found on top of each kidney. These glands produce hormones that are important for regulating functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and stress response.
- Pancreas. The pancreas is located in your abdomen behind your stomach. Its endocrine function involves controlling blood sugar levels.
Harmones of Human Endocrine System
Hormones are the chemicals the endocrine system uses to send messages to organs and tissue throughout the body. Once released into the bloodstream, hormones travel to their target organ or tissue, which has receptors that recognize and react to the hormone.
Below are some examples of hormones that are produced by Human Endocrine System.
| Hormone | Secreting gland(s) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| adrenaline | adrenal | increases blood pressure, heart rate, and metabolism in reaction to stress |
| aldosterone | adrenal | controls the body’s salt and water balance |
| cortisol | adrenal | plays a role in stress response |
| dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) | adrenal | aids in production of body odor and growth of body hair during puberty |
| estrogen | ovary | works to regulate the menstrual cycle, maintain pregnancy, and develop female sex characteristics; aids in sperm production |
| follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) | pituitary | controls the production of eggs and sperm |
| glucagon | pancreas | helps increase levels of blood glucose (blood sugar) |
| insulin | pancreas | helps reduce your blood glucose levels |
| luteinizing hormone (LH) | pituitary | controls estrogen and testosterone production as well as ovulation |
| melatonin | pineal | controls sleep-wake cycles |
| oxytocin | pituitary | helps with lactation, childbirth, and mother-child bonding |
| parathyroid hormone | parathyroid | controls calcium levels in bones and blood |
| progesterone | ovary | helps prepare the body for pregnancy when an egg is fertilized |
| prolactin | pituitary | promotes breast-milk production |
| testosterone | ovary, teste, adrenal | contributes to sex drive and body density in males and females as well as development of male sex characteristics |
| thyroid hormone | thyroid | helps control several body functions, including the rate of metabolism and energy levels |
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