Section: Module 3: Lesson 6: The Endocrine System | Anatomy and Physiology | NextGenU.org

  • Student Learning Outcomes:
    Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
    • Identify the contributions of the endocrine system to homeostasis.
    • Discuss the chemical composition of hormones and the mechanisms of hormone action.
    • Summarize the site of production, regulation, and effects of the hormones of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and pineal glands.
    • Discuss the hormonal regulation of the reproductive system.
    • Explain the role of the pancreatic endocrine cells in the regulation of blood glucose.
    • Identify the hormones released by the heart, kidneys, and other organs with secondary endocrine functions.
    • Discuss several common diseases associated with endocrine system dysfunction.
    • Discuss the embryonic development of, and the effects of aging on, the endocrine system.
    Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 8 hours and 18 minutes.

    Click here to start this lesson

    • Required Learning Resources and Activities

    • url icon
      Introduction URL

      Read the entire page. (2 minutes)

      Rice University - 2022

    • url icon
      An Overview of the Endocrine System URL

      Read the entire page. (17 minutes)

      Rice University - 2022

    • url icon
      Hormones URL

      Read the entire page. (44 minutes)

      Rice University - 2022

    • url icon
      The Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus URL

      Read the entire page. (39 minutes)

      Rice University - 2022

    • url icon
      The Thyroid Gland URL

      Read the entire page. (23 minutes)

      Rice University - 2022

    • url icon
      The Parathyroid Glands URL

      Read the entire page. (11 minutes)

      Rice University - 2022

    • url icon
      The Adrenal Glands URL

      Read the entire page. (23 minutes)

      Rice University - 2022

    • url icon
      The Pineal Gland URL

      Read the entire page. (4 minutes)

      Rice University - 2022

    • url icon
      Gonadal and Placental Hormones URL

      Read the entire page. (7 minutes)

      Rice University - 2022

    • url icon
      The Endocrine Pancreas URL

      Read the entire page. (25 minutes)

      Rice University - 2022

    • url icon
      Organs with Secondary Endocrine Functions URL

      Read the entire page. (13 minutes)

      Rice University - 2022

    • url icon
      Development and Aging of the Endocrine System URL

      Read the entire page. (6 minutes)

      Rice University - 2022

    • forum icon
      Learning Activity 7 - Discussion Forum (60 minutes)
      Students must
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      Start discussions: 1

      General Instructions

      In the following activity, you must analyze and explain the different types of diseases related to the endocrine system.

      Step 1 - Review

      Pay attention to the following list and choose 4 glands to continue with the activity.

      • The Pituitary Gland
      • The Thyroid Gland
      • The Parathyroid Glands
      • The Adrenal Glands
      • Gonadal and Placental Hormones
      • The Endocrine Pancreas

      Step 2 - Respond

      Complete the following details of each of the 4 glands you have chosen. 

      1.
      A. Gland name:
      B. Location and structure:
      C. Most important hormones produced/synthesized (write the functions of each one of them):
      D. List of pathologies caused by the alteration of these hormones:

      2.
      A. Gland name:
      B. Location and structure:
      C. Most important hormones produced/synthesized (write the functions of each one of them):
      D. List of pathologies caused by the alteration of these hormones:

      3.
      A. Gland name:
      B. Location and structure:
      C. Most important hormones produced/synthesized (write the functions of each one of them):
      D. List of pathologies caused by the alteration of these hormones:

      4. 
      A. Gland name:
      B. Location and structure:
      C. Most important hormones produced/synthesized (write the functions of each one of them):
      D. List of pathologies caused by the alteration of these hormones:

      Step 3: Share 

      To share your work, click the “Add a new discussion topic” button under this post and paste your work into the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the resource on the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library: APA citation resource (N.B. references are excluded from word counts).

      Step 4: Interact 

      To complete the activity, you need to post a reply. Click “Reply” on the main discussion, and then click “Post to forum.”

      OPTIONAL Step 5: Interact (10 minutes)

      If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”

    • quiz icon
      Quiz: Module 3
      Students must
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      Receive a grade
      Receive a passing grade

      To access the quiz, click on the name of the quiz provided above. On the following screen, click the "Preview quiz now" button to respond to the questions.