• Information is sent through the endocrine (hormonal) system as?chemical substances?known as?hormones
• Hormones are carried by the?blood?and can therefore circulate around the whole body
• Hormones transmit information from one part of the organism to another and bring about a?change?(they provide a?signal?that triggers a?response)
• They?alter?the?activity?of one or more specific?target organs
• Hormones are used to control functions that?do not need instant responses
  • Compared to the?nervous system?the effects of hormones are?slower?but they act for?longer

   

• Hormones are produced by?endocrine glands
• The endocrine glands that produce hormones in animals are known collectively as the?endocrine system
  • A?gland?is a?group of cells?that produces and releases one or more substances (a process known as?secretion)

   

Structures that make up the endocrine system

• Important structures in the endocrine system are:
  • Pituitary gland: a ‘master gland’ that makes hormones such as?FSH?and?LH
  • Thyroid: produces thyroxine, which controls metabolic rates and affects growth
  • Pancreas: produces?insulin, which regulates blood glucose levels
  • Adrenal glands: produces?adrenaline
  • Testes?(males): produce?testosterone
  • Ovaries?(females): produce?oestrogen

   

The major endocrine glands of the body. These glands secrete hormones that circulate around the body in the bloodstream