Describe the role of the endocrine system.

Description should include

• the vital functions of the system
• the basic functions of each organ or structure within the system
• the relationship of the system and its structures to other body systems.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What roles do the thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, and testes play in the endocrine system?
• What hormones do endocrine glands or tissues produce, and what are the actions for the hormones?
• What are the endocrine tissues, their secretions, and their actions?
• What is the master gland, and why is it called that? What hormones are produced by the gland, and what are the hormones’ actions?
• What structures of the endocrine system are also part of the reproductive system?
• What structure of the endocrine system is also a part of the gastrointestinal system?
• How does the endocrine system interrelate with other body systems?