Class 11 Biology — Chapter 19: CHEMICAL COORDINATION AND INTEGRATION

Understand the fundamental differences between the neural system (fast, short-lived, point-to-point) and the endocrine system (hormonal, widespread, regulatory). This includes the definition of endocrine glands as ductless glands and hormones as non-nutrient, intercellular messengers.

Identify the major organized endocrine glands in the human body, including the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, parathyroid, thymus, and gonads (testis and ovary), and their general locations.

Explain the role of the hypothalamus as the master regulator that links the nervous and endocrine systems. Understand that it produces releasing hormones (e.g., GnRH) and inhibiting hormones (e.g., Somatostatin) that control the anterior pituitary, and directly controls the posterior pituitary via neural regulation.

List the hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis), including Growth Hormone (GH), Prolactin (PRL), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and describe the primary function of each.

Understand that the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) stores and releases Oxytocin and Vasopressin (ADH), which are synthesized by the hypothalamus. Describe the functions of oxytocin (uterine contraction, milk ejection) and vasopressin (water resorption by kidneys).

Explain the conditions resulting from the imbalance of pituitary hormones, specifically Gigantism, Dwarfism, and Acromegaly due to abnormal GH secretion, and Diabetes Insipidus resulting from ADH deficiency.

Describe the function of the pineal gland and its hormone, melatonin. Understand its role in regulating the 24-hour (diurnal) rhythm of the body, including the sleep-wake cycle, body temperature, metabolism, and pigmentation.

Identify the location and basic structure of the thyroid gland, composed of two lobes on either side of the trachea, interconnected by an isthmus. Understand that it is made of follicles and stromal tissues.