Endocrine System Handout Biology GR11
The endocrine system controls growth and development. In humans, the endocrine system
consists of a number of glands called endocrine glands. A gland is a structure which secretes a
specific chemical substance. In humans, there are two types of glands:
exocrine glands transport their secretions by ducts to other parts of the body. For example,
salivary glands in the mouth secrete saliva via ducts into the mouth; tear glands by the eye
secrete fluid which passes through ducts onto the eye’s surface.
endocrine glands or ductless glands which secrete hormones directly into the blood.
Hormones are chemical messengers which helps to control and coordinate many body activities,
including growth and development. They are produced by endocrine glands positioned in
specific areas of the body.
Endocrine System Handout Biology GR11
Hormones are produced in very small amounts and travel through the body in the bloodstream to
target organs. Hormones influence the activities of these target organs.
Most, but not all, endocrine glands work under the influence of a single master gland – the
pituitary, which is situated beneath the brain. The hypothalamus is situated close to the
pituitary. While the hypothalamus is not an endocrine gland, it regulates the secretion of some of
the pituitary gland hormones. If the pituitary is thought of as the master gland of the endocrine
system, then the hypothalamus can be thought of as the manager.
Endocrine Gland Hormone(s) Function(s)
Pituitary gland Antidiuretic Controls the water content of blood plasma and
hormone (ADH) body fluids by controlling water reabsorption in
the kidney
Growth hormone In children: stimulates growth by stimulating
(GH) protein
synthesis in cells and bone growth.
• In adults: helps maintain healthy bone and
muscle
masses.
Follicle stimulating In females: helps regulate the menstrual cycle by
hormone (FSH) stimulating the development and maturation of the
follicles and ova in the ovaries and stimulating the
ovaries to produce oestrogen (see page 86).
• In males: helps control production of sperm in
the
testes.
Luteinising hormone In females: helps regulate the menstrual cycle by
(LH) stimulating ovulation and the development of the
corpus
luteum in the ovaries (see page 86).
• In males: stimulates the production of
testosterone by
the testes.
Thyroid gland Thyroxine Controls the rate of metabolism and energy
production in cells, and physical growth and
mental development, especially in children.
Adrenal glands Adrenaline (flight, Released in large amounts when frightened,
fright or fight excited or anxious. Speeds up metabolism, mainly
hormone) respiration, and increases blood sugar levels,
heartbeat, breathing rate and blood supply to
muscles, i.e. it triggers the fight-or-flight response
and gives the feeling of fear.
Pancreas Insulin and glucagon Regulate blood glucose levels
Endocrine System Handout Biology GR11
Endocrine Gland Hormone(s) Function(s)
Ovaries Oestrogen (produced Controls the development of female
by the Graafian secondary sexual characteristics at puberty,
follicle) i.e. development of breasts, pubic and
underarm hair, and a broad pelvis.
Helps regulate the menstrual cycle by
stimulating the uterus lining or endometrium
to thicken each month after menstruation
Progesterone Helps regulate the menstrual cycle by maintaining
(produced by the a thick uterus lining after ovulation each month
corpus luteum)
Testes Testosterone Controls the development of male
reproductive organs and secondary sexual
characteristics at puberty, i.e. development
of a deep voice, facial and body hair,
muscles and broad shoulders.
Controls sperm production in the testes.
