SThe Endocrine SystemBy: Makayla, Lucy, and Cole

The System

The endocrine system is a collection of glands that secrete chemical messages we call hormones. These signals are passed through the blood to arrive at a target organ, which has cells possessing the appropriate receptor.

Main Organs

The main organs of the endocrine system are adrenal glands, hypothalamus, ovaries, pancreas, pineal gland, pituitary gland, testes, thymus, thyroid gland.

What are The Adrenal Glands?

The adrenal glands are about the size of a walnut and weigh as much as a grape, and they are located at the top of each kidney.

These glands manufacture and secrete almost 50 different hormone.

They also have important effects on the fluid balance control and blood sugar regulation.

Without the hormones the adrenals produce you would die very quickly, and when out of balance the quality of your health and well-being becomes severely compromised..

Photos of the Adrenal Gland

What is the Hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus has some neurons that secrete hormones that strictly control secretion of hormones from the anterior pituitary.

The Hypothalamic hormones are referred to as releasing and inhibiting hormones.

Hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones are carried directly to the anterior pituitary gland via hypothalamic- hypophyseal portal veins.

The hypothalamic hormones bind to receptors on specific anterior pituitary cells, modulating the release of the hormone they produce.

Photos of the Hypothalamus

What are Ovaries?

The ovaries are a female reproductive organ in which ova or eggs are produced.

They ensure the continued survival of the species by producing ova, or eggs, which are intended for fertilization.

They lay on the pelvic side and are around the size of an almond.

Photos of the Ovaries

What is the Pancreas?

The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach that secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum.

It produces important enzymes and hormones that help break down foods.

The gland produces the hormone insulin and secretes it directly into the bloodstream in order to regulate the body’s glucose or sugar level.

Photos of the Pancreas

What is the Pineal Gland?

The pineal gland is a small gland in the brain; situated beneath the back part of the corpus callosum.

It produces several important hormones including melatonin.

Melatonin influences sexual development and sleep-wake cycles.

The pineal gland connects the endocrine system with the nervous system in that it converts nerve signals from the sympathetic system of the peripheral nervous system into hormone signals.

Photos of the Pineal Gland

What is the Pituitary Gland?

The Pituitary Gland is called the “master gland” because of its great influence on the other body organs. It’s function is complex and important for overall well-being.

The pituitary gland is divided into two parts, front (anterior) and back (posterior).

The anterior pituitary produces several types of hormones.

The posterior pituitary produces two hormones.

Photos of the Pituitary Gland

What are the testes?

The testicles are a part of the male reproductive system.

They are also called the testes; one testicle is called a testis.

In adult males, the testicles make male hormones, which the most of all they make is testosterone.

What is the Thymus?

The thymus gland is a pink-grey organ that lies underneath the top of the breast bone.

There was not much known about the thymus until recently. The thymus produces T cells for the immune system.

The thymus is most important in children and young adults, when it programs lymphocytes to attack antigens, like viruses.

If you don’t have the organ you will have difficulty fighting off disease.

Photos of the Thymus

What is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid gland is located near the base of the neck.

The gland makes and stores hormones that help regulate the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and the rate at which food is converted into energy.

The thyroid hormones are essential for the function of every cell in the body.

It also helps regulate growth and the rate of chemical reactions (metabolism) in the body. It helps children grow and develop.

Photos of the Thyroid Gland

Documentation

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/(updated August 10, 2012)

https://eaware.org/ovaries/?doing_wp_cron (updated August 8, 2012)

Http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/hypopit/overveiw.html (updated July 30, 2012)

Http://www.cancer.org/testes (updated August 17, 2012)

Documentation

Http://www.wisegeek.org/thymus/endocrine (updated August 3, 2012)

Https://www.medterms.edu/thyroid (updated August 20,2012)