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:
The endocrine system is a complex collection of glands and organs that helps to regulate
various bodily functions. This is accomplished through the release of hormones, or chemical
messengers produced by the endocrine system.
ENDOCRINE GLANDS
Endocrine glands are ductless glands of the endocrine system that secrete their products,
hormones, directly into the blood.
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 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 in your abdomen behind your stomach. Its endocrine function
involves controlling blood sugar levels.
- Ovary- The ovary is the main organ in the female reproductive system.
- Testis- The testis is the main organ in the male reproductive 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. There are many types of
hormones that act on different aspects of bodily functions and processes.
Some of these include:
Development and growth
Metabolism
Sexual function
Cognitive function and mood
Maintenance of body temperature and thirst
Reproductive growth and health
PITUITARY GLAND
HORMONE TARGET FUNCTION
Adrenocoryicotropic Adrenals Stimulates the adrenal gland to produce a
hormone (ACTH) hormone called cortisol. ACTH is also known as
corticotropin.
Thyroid-stimulating It stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete its own
hormone (TSH) Thyroid hormone, thyroxine. TSH is also known as
thyrotropin.
Luteinizing hormone Ovaries (women) Controls reproductive functioning and sexual
(LH) characteristics. Stimulates the ovaries to produce
Testes (men) estrogen, progesterone, and testes to produce
Follicle-stimulating testosterone and sperm. LH and FSH are known
hormone (FSH) collectively as gonadotropins. LH is also referred
to as interstitial cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH) in
males.
Stimulates the breasts to produce milk. This
Prolactin (PRL) Breasts hormone is secreted in large amounts during
pregnancy and breastfeeding but is always
present in both men and women.
Stimulates growth and repair. Research is
Growth hormone All cells in the currently being carried out to identify the
(GH) body functions of GH in adult life.
Controls the body's blood fluid and mineral levels
al Test du by affecting water retention by the
Anti-diuretic Kidneys kidneys. This aid a hormone is also known as
hormone (ADH) vasopressin or arginine vqah sit ni olin kot
(vasopressin) vasopressin (AVP).
Affects uterine contractions in pregnancy and
Oxytocin Uterus, Breasts birth and the subsequent release of breast milk.
Endorphins Body The hormones that are released when your body
feels pain or stress.
ENDOCRINE HORMONE FUNCTION
GLAND
Hypothalamus Growth hormone- Regulates growth hormone release in the
releasing hormone pituitary gland
(GHRH)
Hypothalamus Thyrotropin-releasing Regulates thyroid-stimulating hormone release in
hormone (TRH) the pituitary gland
Hypothalamus Gonadotropin- Regulates LH/FSH production in the pituitary
releasing hormone gland
(GnRH)
Hypothalamus Corticotropin- Regulates adrenocorticotropin release in the
releasing hormone pituitary gland
(CRH)
Hypothalamus Dopamine Also known as the "feel-good" hormone or
"happy hormone; a hormone and
neurotransmitter that's an important part of your
brain's reward system
Pineal gland Melatonin Releases melatonin during night hours to help
with sleep
Thyroid gland Thyroxine Thyroid hormones play vital roles in regulating
Triiodothyronine the body's metabolic rate, heart and digestive
functions, muscle control, brain development and
function, and the maintenance of bones
Thyroid gland Calcitonin Helps regulate calcium levels in the blood by
decreasing it.
Parathyroid Parathyroid Hormone Most important regulator of blood calcium levels.
gland (PTH) Increases calcium levels in the blood.
Thymus Thymosin It stimulates the development of disease-fighting
T cells, a.k.a. T lymphocytes (T cells are one of the
A important white blood cells of the immune
system, VA and play a central role in the adaptive
immune response)
Adrenal gland Epinephrine/ Increases heart rate, oxygen intake, and blood
Adrenaline flow
Adrenal gland Norepinephrine/ Maintains blood pressure
Noradrenaline
Adrenal gland Aldosterone Regulates salt, water balance, and blood pressure
Adrenal gland Corticosteroid Controls key functions in the body; acts as an
anti- inflammatory; maintains blood sugar levels,
blood pressure, and muscle strength; regulates
salt and water balance
Pancreas Glucagon Raises blood sugar level
Pancreas Insulin Lowers blood sugar levels; stimulates the
metabolism of glucose, protein, and fat
Ovaries Estrogen Affects the development of female sexual
characteristics and reproductive development,
which important for the functioning of the uterus
and breasts; also protects bone health
Ovaries Progesterone Stimulates the lining of the uterus for fertilization;
prepares the breasts for milk production
Testes (testicles) Testosterone Develop and maintain male sexual characteristics
and maturation
