Module 2
1. Module 2
1.2. In this Module
Module 2—The Endocrine System
In This Module
Inquiry Question: How does the endocrine system deal with stress?
There are six lessons in Module 2.
Most of the lessons are designed to take you 80 minutes to complete; however, some lessons may take longer because of the significance of the concept being covered in the lesson. The suggested lesson times do not include the time needed to complete such activities as “Try This,” “Watch and Listen,” assignments, practice questions, review, or research.
This module corresponds to “Chapter 13: Hormonal Regulation of Homeostasis” on pages 434 to 467 in your textbook. You may choose to briefly read through these pages for an overview before you begin this module.
Lesson 1—Structure and Organization of the Endocrine System
Your endocrine system responds to stress (any change in your internal or external environment) with glands releasing biochemical messengers called hormones. Hormones help maintain the body’s homeostasis. Emily’s body experiences stress, but her glands don’t secrete hormones appropriately to establish homeostasis. What causes this difference in hormonal communication?
In order to explore these concepts, you will investigate the following focusing question:
- How is the endocrine system organized, and how do its parts communicate with each other and with other various parts of the body?
Lesson 2—Who Is in Charge?
The endocrine system needs a master, or boss, to ensure homeostasis. This is the hypothalamus-pituitary gland complex.
In this lesson you will explore the following question:
- Who is the boss of the endocrine system, and how is control of the endocrine system managed?
Lesson 3—The Adrenal Gland
“Fight-or-flight” reaction! What would it be like going through life with a constant adrenaline rush?
In this lesson you will focus on the following question:
- How do the adrenal gland and its secretions affect the body?
Lesson 4—The Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands
If you have hyperthyroidism, you may always feel too hot, experience weight loss, find it difficult to concentrate, and be jittery and hyperactive. If you have hypothyroidism, you might always be cold, overweight, tired, and lethargic.
To understand the role of the thyroid gland in the functioning of the endocrine system, you will explore the following focusing question:
- How do the thyroid and parathyroid glands contribute to homeostasis?
Lesson 5—The Pancreas
Before lunch you are hungry, tired, and light-headed because of your low blood sugar level. What do you grab to eat? A candy bar or a tuna sandwich? Or do you just skip lunch? The pancreas manages blood sugar levels. For a diabetic, this is a daily balancing act—one that can have very serious consequences if it is not regulated.
To understand the role of the pancreas in the endocrine system, you will investigate the following focusing question:
- How does the pancreas contribute to homeostasis?
Lesson 6—Bringing It Together
The endocrine system responds to stimuli by using chemical messengers in the blood to control metabolic processes in the body. Your body is kept in balance because your nervous system responds to immediate stimuli or crises while your hormonal system maintains long-term stability.
This lesson will explore how the nervous and endocrine systems complement one another and communicate with each other to maintain homeostasis and ensure your well-being by investigating the following focusing question:
- How are the nervous and endocrine systems interdependent, and how are they different?