The endocrine system controls and coordinates some functions and working of some parts of the human body. By releasing hormones or chemical messengers from glands, the endocrine system is able to give instructions to target cells and organs for certain functions to be carried out. The human body has over 50 different hormones: some are responsible for regulating various important substances in the body, while others control the way in which the body grows and develops.

Gland | Hormone | Function |
Pituitary | Produces many different hormones. | To stimulates other glands to produce their own hormones. |
Thyroid | Thyroxine | To regulate growth and the rate that food is broken down. |
Pancreas | Produces hormones such as insulin and glucagons. | To control sugar levels in the body. |
Adrenal | Adrenaline | To controls heart and breathing rates. |
Ovaries | Oestrogen and progesterone | To controls the onset of puberty, menstruation and ovulation in women. |
Testes | Testosterone | To controls the onset of puberty and regulate the production of sperm in men. |