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)

Test your knowledge on the endocrine glands, hormones they produce, and their functions. Learn about the connections between the hypothalamus and the anterior/posterior pituitary glands, as well as the adrenal gland anatomy, hormones released, and actions of the corpus luteum. Understand the differences between primary and secondary endocrine organs and the tissue type of blood.