Endocrine System Functions & Glands
Submitted By: Hadia Azeem
Semester: 2nd
Submitted To: Dr. Aqdas
Endocrine System
The endocrine system is the collection of glands that produce hormones
that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual
function, reproduction, sleep, and mood, among other things.
It’s similar to the nervous system in that it plays a vital role in controlling
and regulating many of the body’s functions. However, while the nervous
system uses nerve impulses and neurotransmitters for communication, the
endocrine system uses chemical messengers called hormones.
Endocrine System Functions:
The endocrine system is responsible for regulating a range of bodily
functions through the release of hormones.
Hormones are secreted by the glands of the endocrine system, traveling
through the bloodstream to various organs and tissues in the body. The
hormones then tell these organs and tissues what to do or how to function.
metabolism
growth and development
sexual function and reproduction
heart rate
blood pressure
appetite
sleeping and waking cycles
body temperature
Endocrine System Body Parts And Glands:
The endocrine system is made up of a complex network of glands, which
are organs that secrete substances.
The glands of the endocrine system are where hormones are produced,
stored, and released. Each gland produces one or more hormones, which
go on to target specific organs and tissues in the body.
The glands of the endocrine system include:
Hypothalamus. While some people don’t consider it a gland,
the hypothalamus produces multiple hormones that control the
pituitary gland. It’s also involved in regulating many functions,
including sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, and appetite. It can
also regulate the function of other endocrine glands.
Pituitary. The pituitary gland is located below the hypothalamus.
The hormones it produces affect growth and reproduction. They can
also control the function of other endocrine glands.
Pineal. This gland is found in the middle of your brain. It’s important
for your sleep-wake cycles.
Thyroid. The thyroid gland is located in the front part of your neck.
It’s very important for metabolism.
Parathyroid. Also located in the front of your neck, the parathyroid
gland is important for maintaining control of calcium levels in your
bones and blood.
Thymus. Located in the upper torso, the thymus is active until
puberty and produces hormones important for the development of a
type of white blood cell called a T cell.
Adrenal. One adrenal gland can be found on top of each kidney.
These glands produce hormones important for regulating functions
such as blood pressure, heart rate, and stress response.
Pancreas. The pancreas is located in your abdomen behind your
stomach. Its endocrine function involves controlling blood sugar
levels.
Ovaries. In women, these organs make estrogen and progesterone.
These hormones help develop breasts at puberty, regulate
the menstrual cycle, and support a pregnancy.
Testes. In men, the testes make testosterone. It helps them grow facial
and body hair at puberty. It also tells the penis to grow larger and plays
a role in making sperm.
Endocrine System Hormones:
Hormones are the chemicals the endocrine system uses to send messages to
organs and tissue throughout the body. Once released into the
bloodstream, they travel to their target organ or tissue, which has receptors
that recognize and react to the hormone.
Below are some examples of hormones that are produced by the endocrine
system.
Secreting
Hormone Function
gland(s)
increases blood pressure,
Adrenaline adrenal heart rate, and metabolism in
reaction to stress
Aldosterone adrenal controls the body’s salt and
water balance
Cortisol adrenal plays a role in stress response
aids in production of body
dehydroepiandrosterone
adrenal odor and growth of body hair
sulfate (DHEA)
during puberty
works to regulate menstrual
cycle, maintain pregnancy,
Estrogen ovary and develop female sex
characteristics; aids in sperm
production
follicle stimulating controls the production of
pituitary
hormone (FSH) eggs and sperm
helps to increase levels of
Glucagon pancreas
blood glucose
helps to reduce your blood
Insulin pancreas
glucose levels
controls estrogen and
luteinizing hormone (LH) pituitary testosterone production as
well as ovulation
controls sleep and wake
Melatonin pituitary
cycles
helps with lactation,
Oxytocin pituitary childbirth, and mother-child
bonding
controls calcium levels in
parathyroid hormone parathyroid
bones and blood
helps to prepare the body for
Progesterone ovary pregnancy when an egg is
fertilized
promotes breast-milk
Prolactin pituitary
production
contributes to sex drive and
body density in males and
ovary, teste,
Testosterone females as well as
adrenal
development of male sex
characteristics
help to control several body
functions, including the rate
thyroid hormone thyroid
of metabolism and energy
levels
Thank You
