Vishwashanti Gurukul IB world School

Academic year 24-25

MYP4 Trimester 3
Hormones

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRJE8c3ghRE
Hormones are chemical messengers that affect a lot of the bodily functions ranging from
hunger, reproduction and growth to much more complicated functions like human
emotions and behaviour.

Characteristics of hormones
● A hormone is a chemical substance, produced by a gland and carried in the
bloodstream, which alters the activity of specific target organs.
● They are secreted by cells/tissues or organs called glands.
● They are secreted in very small quantities.
● They act upon specific cells, tissues, or organs called target sites.
● They are generally slow in action, but have long lasting effects.
● They either accelerate or inhabit a reaction. 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.
● Hormones can control the body, and the effects are much slower than the nervous
system, but they last for longer.
● Once a hormone has been used, it is destroyed by the liver.

The major endocrine glands in the human body.

 “The Endocrine System.” Endocrine Society, www.hormone.org/what-is-endocrinology/the-endocrine-system.

Glands:
An organ which secretes particular chemical substances for use in the body or for
discharge into the surroundings.
There are three types of glands in our body:
● Exocrine glands: Exocrine glands are glands that secrete their products into
ducts. Example sweat glands, salivary glands
● Endocrine glands: Unlike exocrine glands, endocrine glands secrete their
respective substances directly into the bloodstream rather than through a duct. These
endocrine glands belong to the body’s control system and they produce hormones which
help to regulate the functions of cells and tissues. Some glands are specific to either
male (testes) or female (ovaries)
● Heterocrine glands: These are glands that perform both exocrine and endocrine
functions. For example, pancreas
Major Endocrine Glands

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvpPCn1rwsw

Pituitary gland

Enclosed deep within the skull, the pituitary gland is the size of a pea. It hangs on a
stalk at the base of the brain. It consists of an anterior portion that produces hormones
and a posterior portion that has many neural links. This gland is regarded as the master
gland as it controls the functions of all the other glands (such as the adrenal, thyroid
glands) in the endocrine system. The pituitary gland stimulates the adrenal gland to
secrete cortisol, a steroid hormone controls a range of activities from controlling the
body’s metabolism to stimulating blood pressure. The pituitary gland also secretes
prolactin, which stimulates the production of milk.

Thyroid gland

The thyroid glands can be found at the front of the neck. It sits low in the throat, between
the windpipe. Brownish red, it has blood vessels coursing through it. It secretes
hormones that are collectively called thyroid hormones. The most prominent are T3 and
T4, which influence the body’s rate of metabolism.

Parathyroid glands

The parathyroid glands consist of four small glands that are located behind the thyroids
in the neck. They influence the calcium levels in the body by producing a hormone called
Parathyroid Hormone. Sometimes, when the gland produces excess parathyroid
hormones, it can have negative effects such as brittle bones and kidney stones.
Adrenal glands

The adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys and are no larger than a walnut. These glands
produce over 150 hormones that regulate different functions in the body. The most well
known is Adrenaline, which triggers the flight or fight response. In other words, this is
a stress hormone that helps the organism to either face a dangerous situation or to avoid
it altogether. It does this by:

● Increasing blood sugar levels

● Increasing the blood supply to the muscles, particularly to the limbs.
● Dilating the pupils
● Increasing the heart rate
● Tightening the jaw muscles.

Pancreas

The pancreas is exocrine as well as an endocrine gland that sits behind the stomach. It
is roughly 6 inches long and rather flat. The pancreas has two primary roles to play:

● Producing digestive enzymes

● Producing hormones such as insulin and glucagon.

Insulin is produced by the β cells in the pancreas and it helps in regulating the blood
glucose levels in the body from getting too high. As we are all aware, the lack of insulin
causes type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The hormone glucagon is produced by α cells of the
pancreas and it helps the body to prevent the glucose levels from dropping too low. Lack
of glucagon leads to hypoglycemia. Another key difference between the two is insulin
becomes active when the blood glucose levels are high, and glucagon become active only
when blood glucose levels are low.
Gonads

Some glands are specific to males or females. For instance, the ovaries are specific to
females, and are located in the pelvic cavity. While the testes are specific to males.
Ovaries produce estrogen that is important for reproduction and female sex
characteristics. Testes produce testosterone that is responsible for male sex
characteristics. Also, it results in increased muscle mass and body hair.

Pineal gland

The pineal gland is located between the two halves of the brain. It was also known as
the “third eye” for most of history due to its location in the brain and its connection with
light. It produces a hormone known as melatonin which influences the body’s internal
clock. Also known as the Circadian Rhythm, it influences the body’s sleep/wake cycle.
Its effects are not really noticeable unless the individual is sleep-deprived. Factors such
as jet lag, or working the night shift has a more noticeable effect on an individual because
Circadian rhythm tends to coincide with the day and night cycle. That’s why individuals
who work during the night find it hard to fall asleep during the day, and consequently
stay awake for the next night.

Endocrine gland Location Hormones Produced Functions

Growth hormone (GH), GH stimulates growth, TSH
Pituitary gland
At the base thyroid stimulating hormone stimulates functioning of thyroid
(Also known as
of brain (TSH), Follicle stimulating gland, FSH stimulates the
the master gland)
hormone (FSH) follicles during ovulation.
Controls general metabolism and
Thyroid Gland Neck Thyroxine
growth in the body.
Prepares the body for emergency
Above
Adrenal gland Adrenalin situations and hence is also
kidneys
called ‘Fight and flight’ hormone.
Near
Pancreas Insulin Controls blood sugar level
stomach
Sperm production, development
Testis (male) In scrotum Testosterone of secondary sexual characters
during puberty.
Egg production, development of
Near
Ovary (female) Oestrogen secondary sexual characters
uterus
during puberty.