2. The Glandular System
Our body has small organs called glands that
secrete hormonal chemicals. These hormones are
vital for the functioning of all of our major body
organs and systems. Can you name some
of these glands?
4. Which glands are located in the brain? Which
gland wraps around the trachea?
5. The pineal gland(red), the hypothalamus(green) and the
pituitary gland are all nestled together near the base of the brain. Each
one has essential functions that affect our physical and mental well being.
6. The small pituitary gland (one third of an inch in diameter) is
considered the master gland because it releases hormones that affect many
other glands in the body. One of its primary functions is to provide a
hormone that regulates growth (body height and size).
7. The adrenal gland is a rather small gland located on
the top side of the kidney. It plays a major role in the fight or flight
response. The hormone epinephrine is sent throughout the body
instantly when the brain senses dangerous or emotional situations
and results in increased stress on body organs. Over longer periods
of time, such stress can be very damaging to the body. In what
type of situations do you think
epinephrine(adrenaline) would be sent throughout
the body?
8. Cortisol, released by the adrenal gland throughout the
day, is a very important steroid that helps regulate our
metabolism and reduces dangerous inflammation in the body.
But it is the adrenalin(neurotransmitter) that acts quickly on
our neurons and makes us jittery or hyper in our behavior.
9. In summary, the inside medulla of the adrenal gland
produces adrenaline which speeds up body functions such
as the heart rate. The outer cortex of the adrenal gland
produces the crucial hormone, cortisol, which helps
regulate metabolism and blood pressure. Why is the
regulation of our metabolism and blood pressure
important?
10. The pancreas is another important gland in our body. It is
about six inches long and occupies a spot behind the stomach and
above the intestines. The pancreas plays an important role in
converting the food we eat into fuel for the body’s cells.
11. The pancreas processes glucose and secretes insulin to
control blood sugar levels. What is glucose? Why
is the level of sugar in the blood
important?
12. Insulin helps muscle and fat tissue in the body
absorb glucose. If the muscle and fat cells
develop a resistance to the insulin, it takes larger
quantities of insulin for proper absorption to
occur. However, when the pancreas is unable to
produce larger amounts of insulin, a condition
referred to as prediabetes or type two diabetes
results. Why is insulin resistance in tissue a
health problem?
13. When the pancreas is unable to produce enough
insulin to compensate for the insulin resistance in the
muscle and fat cells, it is important for a person to
restrict the amount of sugar in their diet. Why do
you think this is true?
14. What is this illustration
saying about
Mc Donald’s food?
15. High amounts of sugar in our diet may contribute to many
different health problems. The skin begins to age and sag
faster than normal. The kidneys have more difficulty
filtering our blood. Our arteries harden and develop
inflammation that leads to poor circulation. What kind
of foods lead to high glucose in our blood
stream?
16. Lack of exercise and a diet high in carbohydrates and sugar
can lead to diabetes and a gradual deterioration of the
arteries that transport our blood to vital organs and
tissues. The pancreas provides insulin but our lifestyle
choices can make its job much more difficult. What is
meant by lie style choices?
17. The diagram below represents a theory about how
carbohydrates, insulin, and body weight are related. Study
the diagram closely. What conclusions might you
draw from it?
18. The pancreas is also susceptible to other disorders. Acute
pancreatitis is a painful disease that results when the body’s
own digestive enzymes begin eating the tissue of the
pancreas. Heavy alcohol consumption or a high fat diet can
contribute to pancreatitis.
19. Other than processing sugars, the main role of the
pancreas is to produce enzymes for the digestion of food
in the intestinal tract. Unfortunately, the pancreas is one of
the body organs that can develop deadly cancers.
Yellowing(jaundice) in the eyes can be a symptom of
pancreatic cancer. Do you know anyone who has
had cancer in a gland? How do you think
cancer might affect a gland?
20. The ovaries are glands that belong to the reproductive
system. They are the size of an almond and located in the
lower abdomen on each side of the uterus. The fallopian
tubes connect each ovary to the uterus(womb). The female
reproductive cells(eggs) are produced by the ovaries and
released monthly.
21. While traveling down the fallopian tube, the egg may
encounter millions of sperm. Conception occurs when the
first sperm contacts the egg cell. The fertilized egg than
continues its journey to the uterus where it attaches to the
lining and begins to grow. How long does it take
for the average baby to be born?
22. A woman’s eggs are created when she is an embryo and
remain the only eggs she will ever have. On the other
hand, males develop sperm continuously throughout their
adult lives. Only one male sperm reaches the egg and
fertilizes the egg cell. How many sperm tried to
be papa?
23. Contrary to popular myth, you were not
delivered to your mom and pop by a
stork. You actually were the result of the
union of one sperm cell and one egg cell.
24. The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped organ that is about
two inches long on each side and is located inside the base of
your neck. It releases hormones that control metabolism-the way
your body uses energy. These hormones can have a profound
affect on whether you feel very lazy and lethargic or energetic
and productive. People with low thyroid hormones can take
hormone replacement pills and regain their energy.
25. Although women are more likely to have
hypothyroidism, low production of thyroid
hormones, men also can have this problem. The
symptoms include feeling tired, weight gain,
thinning hair, swelling of the limbs, and very dry
skin.
26. Hypothyroidism or inadequate thyroid hormone results
in a slow down in body functions and over-all lethargy.
Many people take thyroid hormone replacement pills to
regain their energy. How might thyroid
replacement pills change a person’s life?
27. Various glands often interact with each other and send
chemical messages that affect how each one functions.
28. Nestled in the middle of each thyroid half is a tiny parathyroid
gland that has a totally different function than the thyroid.
29. The sole purpose of the parathyroid glands are
to control the range of calcium in the blood
stream. In doing so, parathyroid glands
determine how strong and dense our bones
become.
30. The health and proper functioning of the
thyroid gland can be affected by the foods we
eat. Foods that are rich in iron, zinc, iodine, or
selenium can improve how the thyroid works.
Omega 3 foods such as wild salmon, sardines,
nuts, oatmeal and avocado are important foods
to support the thyroid gland.
31. Like other organs in our body, glands need
quality foods in order to work efficiently. What
you eat actually matters! Which of theses
foods do you eat on a regular basis?
32. Group Discussion
Meet in groups and discuss the following.
1. Describe four of our main glands, how they
function, and what affect they have on our
body.
2. Describe the process that occurs to change
an egg into a newborn baby.
33. Prepare to Write
Write an explanatory essay
describing the four main glands and
how they work to support critical
body functions. Include a detailed
account of the journey of an egg to
the birth of a child.
