Endocrine Glands
Mini Biology Project
Name: Joy-Ann Nuptial
What is the Endocrine System?
The endocrine system is a messenger system comprising feedback
loops of the hormones released by internal glands of an organism
directly into the circulatory system, regulating distant target
organs. In vertebrates, the hypothalamus is the neural control
center for all endocrine systems.
What is the Nervous System?
The nervous system is the major controlling, regulatory, and
communicating system in the body. It is the center of all mental
activity including thought, learning, and memory. Together with
the endocrine system, the nervous system is responsible for
regulating and maintaining homeostasis.
Difference between Nervous and Endocrine systems
The nervous system can respond quickly to stimuli, through the
use of action potentials and neurotransmitters. Responses to
nervous system stimulation are typically quick but short lived. The
endocrine system responds to stimulation by secreting hormones
into the circulatory system that travel to the target tissue.
Endocrine and Exocrine Glands
The key difference between the two types of glands is that,
whereas exocrine glands secrete substances into a ductal system
to an epithelial surface, endocrine glands secrete products
directly into the bloodstream.
Examples of Exocrine glands
A gland that makes substances such as sweat, tears, saliva, milk,
and digestive juices, and releases them through a duct or opening
to a body surface. Examples of exocrine glands include sweat
glands, lacrimal glands, salivary glands, mammary glands, and
digestive glands in the stomach, pancreas, and intestines.
Diagram showing glands and organs in the endocrine
system
Hormones Produced By:
Pituitary gland
ACTH: Adrenocorticotropic hormone
FSH: Follicle-stimulating hormone
LH: Luteinizing hormone
GH: Growth hormone
PRL: Prolactin
TSH: Thyroid-stimulating hormone
Thyroid gland
triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)
Pancreas
insulin and glucagon
Adrenal gland
Cortisol
Aldosterone
DHEA and Androgenic Steroids
Epinephrine (Adrenaline) and Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)
Adrenal Insufficiency
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Overactive Adrenal Glands
Excess of Cortisol: Cushing Syndrome
Ovary
oestrogen and progesterone
Testes
Testosterone
Thymus gland
thymosin, thymopoietin, and thymulin
Roles and Functions of Hormones
Pituitary gland
adrenocorticotropic hormone, which stimulates the adrenal glands
to secrete steroid hormones, principally cortisol
growth hormone, which regulates growth, metabolism and body
composition
luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, also known as
gonadotropins. They act on the ovaries or testes to stimulate sex
hormone production, and egg and sperm maturity
prolactin, which stimulates milk production
thyroid stimulating hormone, which stimulates the thyroid gland to
secrete thyroid hormones.
Thyroid gland
The thyroid gland releases triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine
(T4). These hormones play an important role in regulation of your
weight, energy levels, internal temperature, skin, hair, nail growth,
and more.
Pancreas
Two of the main pancreatic hormones are insulin, which acts to
lower blood sugar, and glucagon, which acts to raise blood sugar.
Maintaining proper blood sugar levels is crucial to the functioning
of key organs including the brain, liver, and kidneys.
Adrenal gland
Aldosterone helps the kidneys control the amount of salt in the
blood and tissues of the body.
Cortisol helps the body manage and use carbohydrates, protein
and fat
Androgens are male sex hormones
Estrogen is a female sex hormone
Ovary
Ovaries produce and release two groups of sex
hormones;progesterone and estrogen. There are actually three
major estrogens, known as estradiol, estrone, and estriol. These
substances work together to promote the healthy development of
female sex characteristics during puberty and to ensure fertility.
Testes
The testes synthesize two important products: testosterone,
needed for the development and maintenance of many
physiological functions; and sperm, needed for male fertility.
Thymus gland
The thymus gland produces several hormones, including:
Thymopoietin and thymulin: These hormones are involved in the
process where T cells get turned into different types of disease
fighters. Thymosin: This hormone boosts the immune system's
response. Thymosin also stimulates hormones that control growth.
