Module 2 The Endocrine System

Lesson 1.2.2

Lesson 2—Who is in Charge?

 

Get Focused

 

 

In the first lesson of this module you learned about the different glands that make up the endocrine system. The level of hormones from these different glands circulating in the body needs to be just right. Like the brain in the nervous system, the endocrine system also has a boss to ensure homeostasis. The kingpin of the operation is the hypothalamus/pituitary gland complex. From your previous studies, you should recall that the hypothalamus is part of the brain, making this is one of the situations where the nervous and endocrine systems overlap. You may know the pituitary as the gland that regulates cellular respiration or metabolism from your studies in Biology 20. If this complex were not doing its job your life would quickly unravel. You would not be able to function or develop normally. Your growth might be stunted, and your voice change would never occur if you were a boy. In Emily’s case, tiny tumors in her pituitary gland either cause an oversecretion or an undersecretion of several pituitary hormones that regulate other endocrine glands. Inappropriately stimulated, these glands, in turn, oversecrete or undersecrete their hormones and cause potentially life threatening symptoms.

 

In this lesson you will explore the following focusing question:

• Who is the boss of the endocrine system and how is the control of the endocrine system managed?

This lesson will take approximately 2 hours to complete.

 

Module 2: Lesson 2 Assignment (not to be submitted.)

 

While you are completing this lesson, there will be many opportunities for you to learn, understand and practice the concepts that are presented. After completing these assignments, as well as your summary notes, file everything in your course folder for reference when you are preparing for unit exams and the Diploma exam.

 

Remember, you also have the option of trying additional questions from the textbook for further practice. Consult with your instructor for answers to these questions. “The Key” will provide you with many Diploma exam style multiple choice, numerical response, and written response questions that will be an excellent review of the module, as well as good preparation for the Diploma exam.

 

There is no assignment for this lesson but you should watch the tutorial video for this lesson and submit a summary.  Bio30 tut#1.2.2 Metabolism

 

 

Remember that these questions provide you with the practice and feedback that you need to successfully complete this course. You should respond to all of the questions and place those answers in your course folder.