The Endocrine System

What is the Endocrine System?

The system of the body which contains glands which are responsible for hormone production.

Hormones are release directly into the bloodstream.

Each hormone is kept in check by another.

Endocrine GlandsPineal

Thymus

Pituitary gland A.K.A. “Master

Gland.” Controls many

activities, including growth rate, metabolism & reproduction.

Controlled by the hypothalamus (oversees many hormone levels).

Hormones of the Pituitary and their functions:

Somatotropic: growth hormone - muscles, kidneys, fat, tissue, liver, bones, height.

TSH: Regulates the size and activity of the thyroid gland.

ACTH: Triggers adrenal glands. FSH: Stimulates egg cell maturation &

sperm production.

Continued…

LH - Triggers sperm & testosterone production in men ovulation and progesterone production in women.

Antidiuretic- water balance in the body. Oxytocin – controls muscle

contractions of uterus and milk production in mammary galnds.

Prolactin – stimulates milk production in the mammary glands.

Common disorders of the pituitary:

Dwarfism - Not enough growth hormone is produced.

Common disorders of the pituitary:

Acromegaly - A tumor in the pituitary causes to much growth hormone to be produced.

Pineal gland

Located in the brain and may have to do with sexual development.

Hormones

Melatonin – helps regulate sleep cycles.

Seratonin – assists with transmission of nerve impulses.

Thyroid gland Regulates the

metabolism of carbohydrates, fats & proteins.

Hormone: Thyroxine. Thyroxine - controls

iodine. Certain amt. Needed for properly functioning thyroid (Common Source is Seafood)…Iodized Salt.

Common disorders of the thyroid:

Goiter - Under active; not enough thyroxine is produced. Common sign weight gain.

Overactive - High levels of thyroxine are produced resulting in a very fast metabolism.

Parathyroids

Four small glands that regulate calcium and phosphorus.

Necessary for proper bone and tooth formation.

Thymus gland Located near the

heart. Plays an important

role in the child’s immune system.

Changes to fatty connective tissue by adulthood.

Adrenal glands Located at the top

of each kidney they secrete steroid hormones.

Produces the following hormones: steroids, aldosterone, cortisone, adrenaline.

Hormones Steroids- group of chemical

compounds that effect many things. Aldosterone- Maintains body’s H2O

balance. Cortisol - Controls metabolism and

inflammation of connective tissue. Adrenaline – controls “fight or

flight” response“emergency hormone”increases heart rate , breathing, etc.

Pancreas

Secretes a fluid that helps with digestion called glucagon and produces insulin.

Hormones :

Glucagon - causes liver to convert glycogen to glucose.

Insulin - regulates blood glucose levels.

The Ovaries

Release egg cells.

Produce estrogen and progesterone.

Hormones of the ovaries: Estrogen -

development of primary and secondary sex characteristics. Repairs uterine lining after menstruation.

Progesterone - Prepares uterine lining for possible pregnancy.

The Testes

Produce sperm cells.

Produce testosterone.

Testes

Hormones of the testes:

Testosterone - Development of primary and secondary sex characteristics. Responsible for sex drive and aggressiveness.

Levels start to decrease after age 30 (10% per decade), therefore, decrease strength and sex drive.