The Endocrine System

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Photo A shows a tadpole. Photo b shows a frog that has developed legs but still has the tail of a tadpole. Photo C shows a fully grown frog. The process of amphibian metamorphosis, as seen in the tadpole-to-frog stages shown here, is driven by hormones. (credit "tadpole": modification of work by Brian Gratwicke)

An animal’s endocrine system controls body processes through the production, secretion, and regulation of hormones, which serve as chemical “messengers” functioning in cellular and organ activity and, ultimately, maintaining the body’s homeostasis. The endocrine system plays a role in growth, metabolism, and sexual development. In humans, common endocrine system diseases include thyroid disease and diabetes mellitus. In organisms that undergo metamorphosis, the process is controlled by the endocrine system. The transformation from tadpole to frog, for example, is complex and nuanced to adapt to specific environments and ecological circumstances.

Complete the tasks on the list below:

Go to this page, http://cnx.org/contents/GFy_h8cu@10.53:RDmLmsJb@2/Introduction, and read the entire page. Read these additional endocrine system pages, by using the menu on the page above or the links below:

Use the QR codes on the pages to learn more about concepts from the reading.
Use the Glossary at the bottom of the page to help with the vocabulary for this week
Use the Review Questions and Free Response questions to check for understanding

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