1. A hormone is a chemical messenger produced by a gland that travels in the bloodstream to target organs or tissues to regulate physiological processes.
Hormones travel to their target organs via the bloodstream.
2.
- Pituitary gland: Controls other glands and regulates growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
- Thyroid gland: Produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy, and body temperature.
- Adrenal glands: Produce adrenaline and cortisol for stress response and metabolism regulation.
- Pancreas: Produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels.
- Ovaries (female) / Testes (male): Produce sex hormones (estrogen/testosterone) for reproduction and secondary sexual characteristics.
- Parathyroid glands: Regulate calcium levels in the blood.
3.
- Pancreas produces and secretes insulin → Glucose moved from blood into cells → Liver and muscle cells convert glucose to glycogen → Normal glucose concentration.
- HT only: Pancreas produces and secretes glucagon → Glucose moved from liver into blood → Liver and muscle cells convert glycogen to glucose → Normal glucose concentration.
4.
Type 1: Autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin; treated with daily insulin injections or pump, blood glucose monitoring, and diet/exercise management.
Type 2: Condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough; treated with lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), oral medications, and sometimes insulin.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of homeostasis worksheet middle school.
