14.3.2

Endocrine Glands

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Endocrine Glands

The endocrine system coordinates the body’s response to changes in the environment using chemical messengers (hormones). Endocrine glands are groups of cells that produce hormones and secrete them into the bloodstream, where they travel to target organs. There are lots of different endocrine glands:

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Adrenal glands

  • They produce adrenaline, which triggers the ‘fight or flight’ response when an organism is presented with a dangerous situation.
    • Increases breathing and pulse rate to provide nutrients to respiring cells more quickly.
    • Widens pupils to take in more visual information.
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Pancreas

  • The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, both of which are involved in regulating blood glucose levels.
    • Insulin acts to decrease blood glucose levels.
    • Glucagon acts to increase blood glucose levels.
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Ovaries (female only)

  • The ovaries produce oestrogen, which controls puberty and is one of the main hormones in the regulation of the menstrual cycle.
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Testes (male only)

  • The testes produce testosterone, which controls puberty and sperm production.

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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