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Endocrine System Worksheet
1. What is the function of the endocrine system?
The endocrine system produces and releases hormones which are chemical messengers
that affect various tissues and organs of the body.
2. What is a hormone?
A hormone is a chemical messenger that regulates activities of tissues and organs in the
body.
3. How does the negative-feedback mechanism work?
Negative-feedback is the method used by the endocrine system to regulate the level of
hormones in the blood. Certain glands can detect how much of a given hormone is
present in the blood. Based on this information, either the signal to create more or stop
releasing that hormone is given.
4. How do the hormones released by the endocrine glands get around the body?
The hormones travel throughout the body by way of the circulatory system. Each
hormone has certain target cells located in various tissues or organs of the body. When
a target cell detects the hormone in the blood, the cell absorbs the hormone.
5. Two of the hormones secreted by the pancreas are insulin and glucagon. These hormones
work together to maintain a balanced blood sugar level. How do they do that?
Insulin is a chemical that helps cells convert sugar into energy. It decreases the sugar
level in the blood. Glucagon does the opposite of insulin. It increases the blood sugar
level by stimulating the conversion of stored sugar.
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6. Label the following diagram of the endocrine system with the words in the box.
Adrenal glands
Pancreas
Testes
Hypothalamus
Pineal gland
Thymus
Ovary glands
Pituitary gland
Thyroid
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8. Match the functions described in column B with the endocrine gland listed in column A.
Column A
Column B
Hypothalamus __11_
Pituitary __10_ , __12_
Thyroid __7__ , ___8_
Thymus __9__
Adrenals __3__
3
Pancreas __2__ , ___5__
Ovaries __4__
Testes __1__
Parathyroids __6__
1. produces male sex characteristics
2. decreases blood sugar level
3. increases heart and breathing rate,
raises blood pressure
4. produces female sex characteristics
5. increases blood sugar level
6. regulates the level of calcium and
phosphorus
7. increases rate of metabolism
8. maintains the level of calcium and
phosphorus in the blood
9. development of immune system
10. stimulates skeletal growth
11. regulates the activities of other glands
12. stimulates development of male and
female sex organs
