The human endocrine system
I can explain how the human endocrine system uses glands and hormones to control changes in the body.
The human endocrine system
I can explain how the human endocrine system uses glands and hormones to control changes in the body.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The human body has an endocrine system that uses hormones to control changes in the body.
- Hormones are chemicals secreted by glands, transported in blood plasma and detected by receptors on cells and tissues.
- Changes in the body can be triggered by an increase in hormones (e.g. puberty) and a decrease in them (e.g. menopause).
- Changes in the body are detected by receptors; the nervous system sends nerve impulses to glands to secrete hormones.
Keywords
Endocrine system - A system that regulates body conditions; glands secrete hormones into the blood that target specific organs.
Hormone - A chemical substance produced by a gland that travels in the bloodstream to a specific organ.
Gland - An organ or tissues that produces and secretes substances, such as hormones.
Receptor - Specialised cells that detect changes in the environment (stimuli) and respond by stimulating electrical impulses.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that all hormones in the body form part of the reproductive system and its regulation.
The slide deck gives specific examples of hormones that are not part of the reproductive system; this includes the example of antagonistic hormones.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
made up of the brain, spinal cord and nerves
made up of glands and organs that secrete hormones
Exit quiz
6 Questions
pituitary gland
thyroid gland
adrenal gland
pancreas
ovary
testes