The endocrine system consists of endocrine glands, which send chemical signals like hormones. Hormones must travel through the blood stream à target tissue à effects.

ADH (anti-diuretic hormone): Pituitary gland à Collecting duct à Encourages kidney tubules to reabsorb more water into the blood.

Adrenaline: Adrenal glands (on top of kidneys) [This is released in times of excitement, anger, fright or stress, and prepares the body for a fight] à Heart à Increase in heart rate. Other effects may include: increased depth of breathing and breathing rate, increased sweating, hair standing on end (making furry animals look larger), glucose released from liver and muscles, dilated pupils and finally, paling of the skin as blood is redirected to muscles.

Insulin: Pancreas à Liver à Reduce blood sugar level (glucose is converted to glycogen and stored in the liver. People with diabetes mellitus cannot make enough hormone insulin.

Glucagon: Pancreas à Liver à Increase blood sugar level

Testosterone: Testes à Testes à Sperm cells mature + secondary sexual characteristics of men

Progesterone: Corpus lutuem (empty follicle, doesn’t occur until after ovulation) à keeps the lining of the uterus in position

Oestrogen: The pituitary gland produces FSH, which controls oestrogen production in the ovaries. Ovaries à Lining of the uterus à Build up the lining of the uterus + Secondary characteristics of women