8.1 Introduction to the Endocrine System
Fig.8-1 The Endocrine Glands
Task 1 Fill in the numbered blanks according to the video.
The endocrine system is composed of ten glands in different parts of the body.When the endocrine glands are 1.________，they produce 2.________called hormones and release them into the vascular system.Hormones are like chemical 3.________，transported by the blood to target cells.When it reaches the target cell，the hormone attaches itself to a specific receptor，which 4.________a physiological process such as cell division.(https://www.daowen.com)
The production of many hormones is controlled by two small structures located at the base of the brain—the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.The hypothalamus is composed of nerve 5.________that control vital functions such as sleep.The hypothalamus also controls the pituitary gland，which is the main hormone-producing gland.The pituitary gland alone secretes 9 different hormones.6.________for example，regulates kidney 7.________.8.________causes contractions of the uterus during childbirth.Other 9.________hormones control skin 10.________and bone growth.Together，the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland produce a third of the body’s hormones；they therefore have an effect on many physiological processes.
