The body uses two main types of systems to maintain homeostasis. The nervous system and the endocrine system. The endocrine differs from the nervous system in two main ways:

1. The endocrine system uses the blood stream to send its chemical messengers to target cells

2. Endocrine responses are slow and long term, where are nervous responses are fast short term responses.

The endocrine system relies on specialised glands releasing hormones into the blood stream, to pass the message onto other cells throughout the body.

The endocrine system is made up of multiple endocrine glands. Endocrine glands are groups of endocrine cells which perform a specific function. Bellow are some of the endocrine glands I the body. Click on them for more information.

Hypothalamus

Pituitary gland

Thyroid gland

Pancreas

 Adrenal glands

Gonads (Testis and Ovaries)

Click here to see how these gland work in the body

Hypothalamus

Pituitary Gland

Thyroid Gland

Pancreas

Adrenal Gland

Testis

Ovaries  

The Hypothalamus sits just above the pituitary gland.

Its main role is to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce hormones.

Hormones released:

Thyrotrophic-releasing hormone

Growth hormone - releasing hormone

Coricotrophin-releasing hormone

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone

The pituitary gland is an extremely important gland in the body. It’s often referred to as the master gland.

The amazing thing is, that its only the size of a pea.

Some of the hormones released:

Prolactin

Growth hormone

ACTH

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

Oxytocin

Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)

The Thyroid Gland is found wrapped around the neck and controls our metabolic rate.

The pancreases main goal is to regulate the level of sugar in our blood stream.

It is found just behind the stomach.

Hormones released:

Insulin

Glucagon

The adrenal gland sits just above the kidney. It helps regulate blood sugar, healthy gastrointestinal functions, distribute fat stores, utilize carbohydrate and promote proper cardiovascular function.

Hormones released:

Adrenaline/Epinephrine

Cortisol

The testis are only found in males and are the cause for masculine features such as facial and body air.

Their main role is to produce testosterone.

The ovaries are only located in females. They are responsible for the development of breast and healthy menstrual cycles.

The produce estrogen and progestrone.

Endocrine Feed back systems

The body uses these glands to maintain homeostasis in the body. Some of the most common endocrine feed back systems are:

Glucose feed back system

Water regulation system

Click here for a test on hormones and the endocrine system