Endocrine System Overview

Study Notes

The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that produce and regulate hormones in the body
Hormones are chemical messengers that control various bodily functions, such as growth, development, and metabolism

Pituitary Gland:
- Located at the base of the brain
- Regulates other endocrine glands
- Produces hormones that stimulate or inhibit hormone production in other glands
Thyroid Gland:
- Located in the neck
- Produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) to regulate metabolism
- Regulates growth and development
Adrenal Glands:
- Located on top of the kidneys
- Produce hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol to regulate stress response
- Regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and glucose metabolism
Pancreas:
- Located behind the stomach
- Produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels
- Regulates digestion and nutrient absorption
Ovaries (in females) and Testes (in males):
- Produce sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone in females, testosterone in males)
- Regulate reproductive functions and development

Insulin:
- Regulates blood sugar levels
- Facilitates glucose uptake in cells
Glucagon:
- Raises blood sugar levels
- Stimulates glucose release from stored glycogen
Adrenaline (Epinephrine):
- Stimulates "fight or flight" response
- Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels
Cortisol:
- Regulates stress response
- Helps body respond to stress, inflammation, and infection
Thyroid Hormones (T4 and T3):
- Regulate metabolism and energy production
- Influence growth and development

Diabetes:
- Insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance
- High blood sugar levels
Hypothyroidism:
- Underactive thyroid gland
- Slowed metabolism, fatigue, and weight gain
Hyperthyroidism:
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and anxiety
Cushing's Syndrome:
- Overproduction of cortisol
- Weight gain, high blood pressure, and mood changes

The endocrine system produces and regulates hormones that control various bodily functions
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate growth, development, and metabolism

Pituitary Gland: regulates other endocrine glands, located at the base of the brain
Thyroid Gland: produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) to regulate metabolism, located in the neck
Adrenal Glands: produces hormones like adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol to regulate stress response, located on top of the kidneys
Pancreas: produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels, located behind the stomach
Ovaries (in females) and Testes (in males): produce sex hormones, regulate reproductive functions and development

Insulin: regulates blood sugar levels, facilitates glucose uptake in cells
Glucagon: raises blood sugar levels, stimulates glucose release from stored glycogen
Adrenaline (Epinephrine): stimulates "fight or flight" response, increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels
Cortisol: regulates stress response, helps body respond to stress, inflammation, and infection
Thyroid Hormones (T4 and T3): regulate metabolism and energy production, influence growth and development

Diabetes: insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance, high blood sugar levels
Hypothyroidism: underactive thyroid gland, slowed metabolism, fatigue, and weight gain
Hyperthyroidism: overactive thyroid gland, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and anxiety
Cushing's Syndrome: overproduction of cortisol, weight gain, high blood pressure, and mood changes