The purpose of reproduction was discussed in detail, along with the idea that the anatomy and physiology of the organism plays a large role in the offspring production. The terms gametes, spermatazoa, ovum, haploid number and diploid number was discussed in detail. Fertilization as the union of male and female gametes stressed, as well as zygote and embryo. The need for meiotic division to insure the diploid number upon fertilization was also discussed, as well as possible chromosome abnormalities. A diagram of a typical sperm and egg cell was used to aid in the definition of fertilization and zygote formation. That the process is hormone controlled was mentioned, and will be discussed in the next few lessons

Discussion of causes of varying growth rate along with the factors which could cause growth delay. These include: family growth patterns, genetics, malnutrition, illness, stress, endocrine gland deficiencies, and growth hormone deficiencies. A brief discussion of the pituitary gland and the hypothalamic-pituitary-endocrine gland cascade was presented prior to the discussion of the effects of growth hormone. Releasing factors and tropic hormones were differentiated. The cascade for the release of growth hormone was outlined and the effects of increased growth hormone in adults looked at.

The characteristics which signify diabetes, hyperglycemia and glucosuria were explained and defined. The structure of a glucose molecule was handed out and described as a monosaccharide or simple sugar. The digestion of polysaccharides, like starch, was shown to produce monosaccharides, the main source of energy for use by cells. Outlining the cellular respiration of glucose into energy, carbon dioxide, and water was examined as the way glucose is metabolized. Any glucose not metabolized is stored in the liver, excreted in the urine or converted to fat. This is the reason that an excess of glucose may show up in the urine and the blood. The discovery of Insulin by Banting and Best, and the method used was explained. The function of insulin, the areas in the pancreas producing insulin, and the physiology of lack of insulin was described. The types of diabetes were listed and the use of either insulin or oral medication to treat the lack of insulin or the inability of the pancreas to manufacture and secrete sufficient quantities was discussed.

Using diagrams and videos the anatomy of the adrenal glands was presented, with concentration on the adrenal cortex. The major hormones of this part of the gland were listed, along with the main function of each. Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome were used to show the hypo and hyper adrenal gland secretion disorders along with their symptoms. The hypothalmus-pituitary axis was used to demonstrate control over the hormone secretions.

An outline of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in children and adults , and the symptoms of hyperthyroidism were listed and discussed. Using the symptoms of hypothyroidism allows us to determine the physiology of the thyroid gland. The anatomy of the adrenal glands was drawn, and its position atop the kidneys shown. The hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal axis was sketched and discussed, in terms of releasing factor, ACTH, and the major adrenal cortex hormone, cortisol.

Vlad and I played soccer focusing on physiology and anatomy throughout.

Using a series of hypoactive thyroid condition outlines and photos, the major functions of the thyroid gland were determined, primarily the control of metabolism and the effects brought about by a sluggish or under-active thyroid gland. Each of the 9-10 symptoms were briefly discussed and explained in terms of under activity. Iodine deficient thyroid syndrome was viewed and explained as being due to iodine loss in the soil, and as a child, leading to mental and physical growth deterioration. Hyperthyroidism was shown in some photos and the effects shown to be due to increased metabolism, perhaps growth of a goiter and exophthalmos.

The anatomy and physiology of the thyroid gland was examined. The method of negative feedback to increase or decrease hormonal secretion of the thyroid was sketched, and the part played by the brain and pituitary examined. The structure of thyroxine hormone was handed out and the importance of iodine in the structure noted. The importance of iodine ingestion discussed and the labels of salt boxes viewed to show the addition of iodine. Showing the symptoms of hypothyroidism was used to begin the study of the function of the thyroid in the body. The first few symptoms examined were unexplained fatique, digestive upset, and irritability. This helped to show the major effect of thyroid hormone on metabolism, energy and mood.

Discussion of the endocrine system as the 2nd major regulatory system. How it differs from the nervous system in rate of reaction and overall scope of reaction. The lesson concentrated on the difference in endocrine and non endocrine glands, that the secretions are called hormones, the definition of a hormone, that they affect target organs, and are specific. The general activity of the system was listed control of growth, metabolism, control of stress, pH of fluids and reproduction. A diagram of the location of the major glands was handed out, and the study of each one will begin.

Introduction to the anatomy, general function, nomenclature, and definition of glands and specifically endocrine glands. The anatomy and physiology of each endocrine gland will be presented in the coming weeks.