Coordination and control - the endocrine system
The endocrine system secretes hormones into the bloodstream from glands throughout the body. Hormones produce an effect on specific target organs in the body.
Human endocrine system
Hormones and nerves
A hormone is a chemical substance, produced by a gland and carried in the bloodstream, which alters the activity of specific target organs. An example of this is the release of the hormone adrenaline, which is released by the adrenal gland. One of its target organs is the heart, where it increases the heart rate.
Once a hormone has been used, it is destroyed by the liver.
Hormones can control the body, and the effects are much slower than the nervous system, but they last for longer.
There are important differences between nervous and hormonal control.
| Nervous | Hormonal | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of signal | Electrical (chemical at synapses) | Chemical |
| Transmission of signal | By nerve cells (neurones) | By the bloodstream |
| Effectors | Muscles or glands | Target cells in particular tissues |
| Type of response | Muscle contraction or secretion | Chemical change |
| Speed of response | Very rapid | Slower |
| Duration of response | Short (until nerve impulses stop) | Long (until hormone is broken down) |
Pituitary gland
The pituitary gland in the brain is known as a 'master gland'. It secretes several hormones into the blood in response to the body's condition, such as blood water levels. These hormones can also act on other glands to stimulate the release of different types of hormones and bring about effects.
Different hormones
The body produces a range of different chemical hormones that travel in the bloodstream and affect a number of different organs or cells in the body. The diagram below shows this in detail.
Important hormones released into the bloodstream include ADH (anti-diuretic hormone), adrenaline and insulin.
| Source | Organ(s) | Role | Effects | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADH | Pituitary gland | Kidneys | Controlling the water content of the blood | Increases reabsorption of water by the collecting ducts |
| Adrenaline | Adrenal glands | Several targets including the respiratory and circulatory systems | Preparation for 'fight or flight' | Increases breathing rate, heart rate, flow of blood to muscles, conversion of glycogen to glucose |
| Insulin | Pancreas | Liver | Controlling blood glucose levels | Increases conversion of glucose into glycogen for storage |