Endocrine System Anatomy and Function Quiz

Endocrine Glands and Hormones

• Endocrine glands produce hormones that regulate various bodily functions.
• There are several endocrine glands, including:
  • Pituitary gland
  • Thyroid gland
  • Adrenal glands
  • Pancreas
  • Ovaries (in females)
  • Testes (in males)

Pituitary Gland

• The pituitary gland is connected to the hypothalamus by a stalk-like structure.
• The hypothalamus produces hormones that stimulate or inhibit the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
• The pituitary gland has two main parts:
  • Anterior pituitary gland: produces hormones that regulate growth, development, and reproductive functions.
  • Posterior pituitary gland: stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.

Hypothalamus and Anterior Pituitary Gland

• The hypothalamus produces releasing hormones that stimulate the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary gland.
• The anterior pituitary gland produces hormones such as:
  • Growth hormone (GH)
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
  • Prolactin (PRL)
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Hypothalamus and Posterior Pituitary Gland

• The hypothalamus produces hormones that are stored and released by the posterior pituitary gland.
• The posterior pituitary gland releases hormones such as:
  • Oxytocin (OT)
  • Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Adrenal Gland

• The adrenal gland is located on top of the kidney and has two main parts:
  • Adrenal cortex: produces hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens.
  • Adrenal medulla: produces hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine.

Corpus Luteum

• The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine gland that forms in the ovary after ovulation.
• It produces the hormone progesterone, which prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.

Primary and Secondary Endocrine Organs

• Primary endocrine organs: produce hormones directly, such as the adrenal gland and thyroid gland.
• Secondary endocrine organs: produce hormones in response to stimulation from other endocrine organs, such as the anterior pituitary gland.

Blood Composition

• Blood is composed of:
  • Plasma (~55%): liquid portion of blood that carries cells and proteins.
  • Formed elements (~45%): red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Plasma Composition

• Plasma is composed of:
  • Water (~92%)
  • Proteins (albumin, globulins, fibrinogen)
  • Nutrients (glucose, amino acids, fats)
  • Hormones
  • Waste products (urea, creatinine)
  • Gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide)