Endocrine System: Glands and Hormones

Endocrine System Overview

• The endocrine system is composed of glands that secrete hormones.
• Hormones affect every cell, organ, and function of the body.
• This system is essential in regulating growth, development, metabolism, and reproductive processes, as well as mood.

Endocrine Glands and Their Functions

• Pineal Gland: Location in the brain; Function not currently fully understood, may be involved in biological rhythms.
• Hypothalamus: Location in the brain; Regulates many bodily functions through hormones.
• Pituitary Gland: Location at the base of the brain; Stimulates growth and controls other glands. Releases hormones like oxytocin, vasopressin, growth hormone, ACTH, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone.
• Thyroid Gland: Location below the voice box; Regulates body metabolism and calcium storage in bones. Releases thyroxin and calcitonin.
• Parathyroid Gland: Location in the neck; Controls calcium levels in the blood and normalizes bone growth. Releases parathyromone.
• Thymus Gland: Location in front of the heart; Enables the body to produce certain antibodies. Releases thymosin.
• Adrenal Glands: Location on top of the kidneys; Prepares the body for action, controls heart rate, and breathing during emergency situations. Releases adrenaline.
• Pancreas: Location between the kidneys; Regulates blood sugar. Releases insulin and glucagon.
• Ovary: Location in the female reproductive system; Female reproductive functions.
• Testes: Location in the male reproductive system; Male reproductive functions.

Specific Hormone Functions

• Oxytocin: Natural hormone, manages key aspects of the female and male reproductive systems, including labor, delivery, lactation, and human behavior.
• Vasopressin: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), regulates blood pressure and volume.
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Plays a large role in how the body responds to stress.
• Prolactin: Hormone responsible for lactation, breast tissue development, and other bodily processes.
• Luteinizing Hormone: Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, stimulates ovulation in females and androgen synthesis in males.
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone: Controls the actions of certain cells or organs, and sexual development in children and adults.
• Thyroxin: Plays a crucial role in heart and digestive function, metabolism, brain development, bone health, and muscle control.
• Calcitonin: Lowers calcium levels in the blood.
• Parathyromone: Controls calcium levels in the blood, and controls phosphorus and vitamin D levels.
• Thymosin: Aids in the control of inflammation, immunity, and tolerance.
• Adrenaline: Makes the heart beat faster and lungs breathe more efficiently.
• Insulin: Moves glucose from the bloodstream into the body's cells to make energy.
• Glucagon: A hormone that the pancreas makes to help regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Explore the endocrine system, a network of glands secreting hormones that regulate crucial bodily functions. Learn about key glands like the pineal, hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, and parathyroid, and their specific roles in growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Discover the hormones they produce and their effects on the body.