Endocrine System
Overview
A goat that will not settle for the buck, a broiler that refuses to put on weight no matter how well it is fed, a dairy cow that grows thin and shaky just after calving: none of these problems can be seen by opening the animal up and looking for a damaged organ. The cause is chemical, not structural, and it is carried in the blood rather than along a nerve. A handful of small glands scattered through the body are quietly running the animal's growth, its metabolism, its response to fright and its readiness to breed, all by releasing tiny amounts of hormone straight into the bloodstream.
In this lesson you will meet the endocrine system: what it is, the five glands WAEC expects you to know, the hormone each one produces and what that hormone actually does in the body. You will also learn how this slower, blood-borne messenger system works together with the fast nervous system, and see how farmers put that knowledge to work, from regulating growth promoters to synchronising a whole herd's oestrus for one planned mating season.
Objectives
- Define the endocrine system
- Identify the major endocrine glands in a farm animal
- State the hormones produced by the major endocrine glands
- Explain the functions of hormones in growth and reproduction
- Explain the relationship between the endocrine system and the nervous system
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Endocrine System. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which gland is often called the master gland because it controls the activity of several other endocrine glands? A. Thyroid B. Pancreas C. Pituitary D. Adrenal Answer: C
- The hormone that mainly regulates the rate of metabolism in a farm animal is: A. Insulin B. Thyroxine C. Adrenaline D. Progesterone Answer: B
- Which hormone is released by the pancreas to lower blood glucose level? A. Glucagon B. Cortisol C. Insulin D. Oestrogen Answer: C
- The hormone chiefly responsible for maintaining pregnancy in a farm animal is: A. Oestrogen B. Progesterone C. Testosterone D. Adrenaline Answer: B
- Which endocrine gland releases its hormone within seconds of a frightening stimulus, acting directly under nervous control? A. Thyroid B. Pancreas C. Adrenal medulla D. Ovary Answer: C
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Create a free account to access all learning resources, practice questions, and track your progress.
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