Endocrine System Overview

Endocrine System Overview

• The endocrine system, like the nervous system, controls and regulates bodily functions.
• It primarily governs processes that happen slowly, such as growth.
• The endocrine system uses hormones to send signals throughout the body.
• Hormones take longer to produce an effect than signals sent by the nervous system.

Hormones

• Hormones are chemicals released into the bloodstream by glands.
• They affect cell and tissue activity throughout the body.

Pituitary Gland

• Often called the "master gland," it controls other endocrine glands.
• It regulates growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress responses.
• Located at the base of the brain.

Pituitary Gland - Oxytocin

• Stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.
• Promotes bonding and trust.
• Application: Encourages bonding in relationships, breastfeeding, and emotional connection.

Pituitary Gland - Vasopressin

• Regulates water balance by reducing urine production.
• Application: Staying hydrated, managing conditions like diabetes insipidus.

Pituitary Gland - Growth Hormone

• Stimulates growth, cell repair, and metabolism.
• Application: Promotes recovery after exercise, supports muscle growth, addresses growth disorders.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

• Stimulates cortisol production in the adrenal glands to help the body respond to stress.
• Application: Stress management techniques reduce cortisol overproduction.

Pituitary Gland - Prolactin

• Prompts milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
• Application: Breastfeeding mothers rely on this hormone to nurse effectively.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

• Triggers ovulation and stimulates testosterone production.
• Application: Supports fertility treatments and menstrual cycle tracking.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

• Stimulates egg development in ovaries and sperm production in testes.
• Application: Important in fertility evaluations and treatments.

Thyroid

• Located in the front of the neck, wrapped around the trachea (windpipe).
• Regulates metabolism, energy, and calcium balance.

Thyroxin (T4)

• Regulates metabolism and energy.
• Application: Monitoring thyroid health for weight management and energy regulation.

Calcitonin

• Lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption.
• Application: Used to manage osteoporosis or high calcium levels.

Parathyroid

• Located in the neck, within the thyroid gland.
• Regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood and bones.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

• Increases blood calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption and calcium absorption.
• Application: Manages calcium imbalances and bone health.

Thymus Gland

• Located in the upper chest, between the lungs, and behind the breastbone.
• Crucial for immune system development during childhood.

Thymus Gland - Thymosin

• Stimulates T-cell production for immune function.
• Application: Supports immunity through nutrition and health maintenance.

Adrenal Glands

• Located in the epigastrium at the top of the kidneys.
• Produce hormones that regulate stress responses, metabolism, and electrolyte balance.

Adrenaline

• Also known as epinephrine; a hormone released by the adrenal gland into the bloodstream.
• Targets vital organs, allowing the body to respond quickly in critical situations.
• Application: Understanding its role in emergency responses and stress management.

Pancreas

• Located between the kidneys and aids in digestion.
• Regulates blood sugar.

Insulin

• Lowers blood sugar by promoting glucose uptake into cells.
• Application: Essential for diabetes management through monitoring and insulin therapy.

Glucagon

• Raises blood sugar by promoting glucose release from the liver.
• Application: Used in managing hypoglycemia, especially for diabetics.

Testes

• Located in the scrotum in the lower abdomen (singular: testis).
• Produce sperm and male sex hormones.

Testosterone

• Produced by the testes.
• Controls developmental changes in males like deeper voice, libido, facial and pubic hair, and increased muscle and bone strength.

Androgen

• Promotes male sexual development, muscle growth, and libido.
• Application: Managing conditions like low testosterone levels or supporting athletic performance.

Ovaries

• Located on either side of the uterus in the lower abdomen (singular: ovary).
• Produce eggs and female sex hormones.

Estrogen

• Produced by the ovaries.
• Controls developmental changes in females like breast development and the release of eggs, marking the start of menstruation.

Progesterone

• Supports pregnancy and regulates the menstrual cycle.
• Application: Used in fertility treatments and managing menstrual disorders.