NIGERIAN POLICE ACADEMY FACULTY OF SCIENCE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES BIO 304- ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY ENDOCRINE SYSTEM ‘The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs. It uses hormones to control and coordinate your body metabolism, energy level, reproduction, growth and evelopment, and response to injury, stress, and mood, ‘The endocrine system is made up of glands that make hormones. Hormones are the body's chemical messengers. They carry information and instructions from one set of cells 10 another. ‘The endocrine (pronounced: EN-duh-krin) system influences alm PARTS OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM While many parts of the body make hormones, the major glands that make up the ‘endocrine system are the: Hypothalamus © Pituitary © Thyroid © Parathyroid’s © Adrenals * Pineal body © Ovaries © Testes ANATOMY OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM ‘The following are integral parts of the endocrine system: ‘Anatomy of the endocrine system in males and females pg.!Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is located at the base of the bra chiasm where the optic nerves behind each eye cross and meet. The hy hormones that stimulate or suppress the release of hormones in addition to controlling water balance, sleep, in, near the optic \ypothalamus secretes the pituitary gland, in temperature, appetite, and blood Pressure, Pineal Body: The pineal body is located below the corpus callosum, in the middle of the brain. It produces the hormone melatonin, which helps the body know when it's time to sleep. Pituitary: The Pituitary gland is located below the brain. Usually no larger than a Pea, the gland controls many functions of the other endocrine gli lands. Thyroid And Parathyroid: The thyroid gland and Parathyroid glands are located in front of the neck, below the I larynx (voice box). The thyroid plays an important role in the body's metabolism. The parathyroid glands play an important role in the regulation of the body's calcium balance. Thymus: The thymus is located in the upper part of the chest and produces white blood cells that fight infections and destroy abnormal cells. Adrenal Gland: An adrenal gland is located on top of each kidney. Like many glands, the ituit adrenal adrenal glands work hand-in-hand with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The adrenal inephri jntain blood glands make and release corticosteroid hormones and epinephrine that maintain Pressure and regulate metabolism. ind the stomach. Pancreas: The Pancreas is located across the back of the abdomen, ee ‘eee on, The pancreas plays a role in digestion, as well as hormone product i levels of blood Produced by the pancreas include insulin and glucagon, which regulate sugar, yw the opening of Ovary: A woman's ovaries are located on both sides of the uterus, no In addition to 7 the ovaries). the fallopian tubes (tubes that extend from the uterus to the n and . ies also produce estroge Containing the egg cells necessary for reproduction, the ovari Progesterone.‘Testis: A man’s testes are located in a pouch that hangs suspended outside the ‘The testes produce testosterone and sperm. male body. FUNCTIONS OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM 1. Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream. This lets the hormones travel to cells in other parts of the body. 2. The endocrine hormones help control mood, growth and development, the way our organs work, metabolism, and reproduction. 3, The endocrine system regulates how much of each hormone is released. This can depend on levels of hormones already in the blood, or on levels of other substances in the blood, like calcium. Many things affect hormone levels, such as stress, infection, and changes in the balance of. fluid and minerals in blood. ‘Too much or too little of any hormone ean harm the body. Medicines can treat many of these problems. HOW TO KEEP ENDOCRINE SYSTEM HEALTHY © To help keep your endocrine system healthy: 3. Get plenty of exercise. %% Eat a nutritious diet. 3. Go for regular medical Talk to the doctor befor about any famil checkups. wre taking any supplements or herbal treatments. sy history of endocrine problems such as diabetes « Let the doctor know or thyroid problems. pg.3 :