The Endocrine System
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of glucocorticoids released by the adrenal cortex?

  • Promoting blood pressure relaxation
  • Enhancing glucose metabolism during stress (correct)
  • Regulating calcium levels in the body
  • Controlling electrolyte balance

Which hormone is responsible for stimulating the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys?

  • Aldosterone (correct)
  • Noradrenaline
  • Cortisol
  • Adrenaline

Which of the following effects is associated with the release of adrenaline in a fight or flight response?

  • Increased metabolic rate (correct)
  • Pupil constriction
  • Decreased heart rate
  • Enhanced digestion

What effect do pathological quantities of glucocorticoids have on the immune system?

<p>Suppression of the immune system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under which condition is aldosterone released into the bloodstream?

<p>Low blood sodium levels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a direct effect of glucocorticoids on amino acids?

<p>They convert amino acids into glucose. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of noradrenaline in the body?

<p>Maintaining blood pressure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological change is NOT associated with the action of adrenaline?

<p>Decrease in blood pressure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex primarily regulates metabolism and stress response?

<p>Cortisol (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for the reabsorption of sodium and the excretion of potassium in the kidneys?

<p>Aldosterone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the parathyroid hormone in calcium metabolism?

<p>Stimulate calcium release from bones (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of glucocorticoids?

<p>Stimulating thyroid activity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does parathyroid hormone have on the kidneys?

<p>Increases calcium reabsorption (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which adrenal hormone primarily influences the body's response to stress?

<p>Cortisol (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism primarily regulates aldosterone secretion?

<p>Renin-angiotensin system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does calcitonin have on calcium metabolism?

<p>Stimulates calcium deposition in bones (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of parathormone in the body?

<p>Stimulates uptake of calcium from the intestine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does calcitonin affect blood calcium levels?

<p>It decreases blood calcium levels by promoting storage in bones (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of glucocorticoids in the adrenal cortex?

<p>They modulate immune response and inflammation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the major function of aldosterone secreted from the adrenal cortex?

<p>Promotes sodium and water retention by the kidneys (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gland produces parathormone?

<p>Parathyroid glands (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What stimulates the release of calcitonin from the thyroid gland?

<p>An increase in ionised calcium in the blood after a meal (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT directly associated with parathormone?

<p>Enhancing immune function (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major roles of thyroid hormones like thyroxine?

<p>Enhancing metabolism throughout the body (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What stimulates the adrenal medulla to secrete hormones?

<p>Adrenaline released during physical stress (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do calcium levels play in normal bodily functions?

<p>Calcium is essential for muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method by which endocrine glands release hormones into the body?

<p>Directly into the blood (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the endocrine system differ from the autonomic nervous system (ANS) regarding the speed of response?

<p>The endocrine system is associated with slower changes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is NOT influenced by hormones from the endocrine system?

<p>Digestive enzyme production (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to hormone levels in the case of hyperthyroidism?

<p>Excessive hormone production occurs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is NOT part of the endocrine system as described in the content?

<p>Liver (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the endocrine system in the body?

<p>Maintaining homeostasis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following glands is NOT part of the human endocrine system?

<p>Pancreas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is primarily involved in regulating metabolism?

<p>Thyroxine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function do hormones generally serve in the endocrine system?

<p>Regulate various bodily functions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a part of the knowledge students should gain about the endocrine system?

<p>Describe the anatomy of each gland in detail (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does cortisol have on blood sugar levels during stress?

<p>It increases blood sugar levels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition leads to the secretion of aldosterone?

<p>High blood potassium levels (A), Low blood sodium levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a physiological effect of adrenaline during a 'fight or flight' response?

<p>Dilates blood vessels in the muscles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which role does noradrenaline primarily play in the body?

<p>Maintaining blood pressure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of glucocorticoids in therapeutic doses?

<p>Delayed wound healing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cortisone is commonly prescribed. What is one of its effects?

<p>It suppresses the immune response. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of somatostatin in relation to insulin and glucagon?

<p>Inhibits the secretion of insulin and glucagon (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for increasing blood glucose levels?

<p>Glucagon (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is produced by the adrenal medulla?

<p>Adrenaline (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do glucocorticoids affect protein metabolism during stress?

<p>They breakdown proteins into amino acids. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the effects of insulin on blood glucose levels?

<p>Stimulates the conversion of glucose to glycogen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is secreted by the thymus gland and is essential for immune function?

<p>Thymosin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormones are primarily responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle?

<p>Oestrogen and progesterone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is involved in the development of secondary sexual characteristics in men?

<p>Testosterone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does increasing levels of glucagon have on glycogen?

<p>Stimulates its conversion to glucose (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to thymosin production as a person ages?

<p>It declines gradually (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormone released by the hypothalamus regulates the secretion of growth hormone?

<p>Growth hormone releasing hormone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland?

<p>Antidiuretic hormone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of thyrotrophin released by the anterior pituitary gland?

<p>Stimulates growth and activity of the thyroid gland (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is responsible for stimulating milk production after childbirth?

<p>Prolactin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of growth hormone in adults?

<p>Maintains and repairs tissues (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is released by the anterior pituitary gland and is responsible for stimulating the adrenal cortex?

<p>Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do the hypothalamus and pituitary gland primarily use to regulate hormone secretion?

<p>Negative feedback regulation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of growth hormone?

<p>Enhances lactation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating gamete production?

<p>Follicle stimulating hormone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of calcitonin in the body?

<p>Reduce blood calcium levels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is responsible for the production of parathormone?

<p>Parathyroid glands (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone stimulates water resorption by the kidneys?

<p>Vasopressin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the release of calcitonin?

<p>Increase in ionised calcium in the blood (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major risk if there is not enough calcium in the diet?

<p>Calcium depletion from bones (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal cortex?

<p>Promote insulin resistance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone works in opposition to parathormone?

<p>Calcitonin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormone produced by the anterior pituitary stimulates the production of testosterone?

<p>Luteinising hormone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the adrenal cortex?

<p>Production of hormones regulating metabolism and stress response (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cortisol Function

Cortisol regulates glucose metabolism and is released in response to stress.

Cortisol Release Mechanism

Hypothalamus triggers the anterior pituitary to release ACTH, which then stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol.

Glucocorticoid Effects

Glucocorticoids increase blood sugar levels, convert amino acids to glucose, break down proteins, and promote sodium and water reabsorption.

Glucocorticoid Actions

Glucocorticoids have anti-inflammatory effects, suppressing the immune system and delaying wound healing.

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Aldosterone Function

Aldosterone regulates electrolyte balance, focusing on sodium and potassium levels to maintain blood volume.

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Adrenaline Function

Adrenaline (epinephrine) triggers the 'fight-or-flight' response, increasing metabolic rate and heart function.

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Noradrenaline Function

Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) maintains blood pressure mainly by constricting blood vessels.

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Adrenal Medulla Hormones

Adrenal medulla produces adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).

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Gonadotrophin hormones

Hormones that stimulate the gonads (testes and ovaries) to produce gametes and sex hormones.

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Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Stimulates the production of gametes (sperm and eggs).

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Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen/progesterone and testes to secrete testosterone.

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Oxytocin

Promotes uterine contractions and breast milk production.

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Antidiuretic hormone (Vasopressin)

Influences water resorption by the kidneys, concentrating urine and raising blood pressure.

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Thyroid hormones (Thyroxine & T3)

Regulate metabolic rate and function of various organs and systems.

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Calcitonin

Reduces blood calcium levels by storing calcium in bones and excreting it through kidneys.

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Parathormone

Increases blood calcium levels by increasing calcium absorption and release from bones.

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Adrenal glands

Two glands located atop the kidneys, divided into cortex and medulla; essential for life.

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Glucocorticoids

Hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that regulate metabolism.

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Pituitary Gland Location

The pituitary gland sits within the hypophyseal fossa of the sphenoid bone, below the hypothalamus.

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Pituitary-Hypothalamus Connection

The pituitary gland is connected to the hypothalamus by a stalk, allowing for communication between the two.

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Negative Feedback Regulation

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland work together in a system called negative feedback, where hormones regulate each other's production and release.

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Growth Hormone (GH) Function in Children

In children, GH promotes general growth, including skeletal, muscular, and connective tissue development.

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Growth Hormone (GH) Function in Adults

In adults, GH plays a crucial role in maintenance and repair of tissues and organs.

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Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

TSH stimulates the growth and activity of the thyroid gland, leading to thyroid hormone production.

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Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH)

ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce steroid hormones, primarily cortisol.

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Prolactin Function

Prolactin promotes lactation (milk production) in nursing mothers.

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What does the endocrine system maintain?

The endocrine system maintains homeostasis, which is the stable internal environment of the body.

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What's the role of the endocrine system?

The endocrine system regulates and coordinates the activities of different body systems using hormones.

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What do endocrine glands do?

Endocrine glands produce and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

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Name some major endocrine glands.

The major endocrine glands include the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and gonads.

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What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that regulate various bodily functions.

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What is the endocrine system's role?

The endocrine system helps maintain homeostasis by releasing hormones into the bloodstream, influencing slower changes in the body.

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How do hormones influence the body?

Hormones regulate various processes including growth and development, stress response, nutrition, and reproduction.

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Endocrine disorders

Endocrine disorders arise from imbalances in hormone production, leading to either excess (hyper) or deficiency (hypo) of a specific hormone. Examples include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone).

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Growth Hormone (GH) in Children

In children, GH promotes general growth, including skeletal, muscular, and connective tissue development.

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GH in Adults

In adults, GH plays a crucial role in maintenance and repair of tissues and organs.

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What does cortisol do?

Cortisol regulates glucose metabolism and is released in response to stress.

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How is cortisol released?

Stress triggers the hypothalamus to signal the anterior pituitary to release ACTH, which in turn stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol.

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What are the effects of glucocorticoids?

Glucocorticoids increase blood sugar, convert amino acids to glucose, break down proteins, and promote sodium and water reabsorption.

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What are the medical uses of cortisone?

Cortisone is used as a medication to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

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What does aldosterone do?

Aldosterone regulates electrolyte balance, primarily sodium and potassium, to maintain blood volume.

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Adrenaline: fight or flight?

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response, preparing the body for action in stressful situations.

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What are the effects of adrenaline?

Adrenaline increases metabolic rate, heart rate, blood pressure, dilates blood vessels to muscles, heart, and brain, dilates pupils, and converts glycogen to glucose.

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Noradrenaline's role?

Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) helps maintain blood pressure primarily by constricting blood vessels except for coronary arteries.

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Gonadotrophins

Hormones produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulate the gonads (testes and ovaries) to produce gametes and sex hormones.

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Thyroid gland location

The thyroid gland is located in the neck, positioned in front of the larynx and trachea.

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Thyroid hormones

Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) are the main thyroid hormones, both crucial for regulating metabolic rate.

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Calcitonin function

Calcitonin, produced by the thyroid, helps regulate blood calcium levels by reducing them. It promotes calcium storage in bones and excretion by the kidneys.

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Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

PTH, produced by the parathyroid glands, raises blood calcium levels by increasing calcium absorption from food, release from bones, and reabsorption by kidneys.

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Adrenal glands location

The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of each kidney, about 4cm long and 3cm wide.

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Adrenal cortex function

The outer part of the adrenal gland, the cortex, is essential for life. It produces hormones involved in stress response, electrolyte balance, and metabolism.

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Adrenal medulla function

The inner part of the adrenal gland, the medulla, produces adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), which mediate the 'fight-or-flight' response.

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Pancreatic Islets

Clusters of cells within the pancreas that produce hormones like insulin and glucagon, playing a crucial role in blood sugar regulation.

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Insulin Function

Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by stimulating glucose uptake and use by cells, and promoting glucose storage as glycogen.

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Glucagon Function

Glucagon raises blood glucose levels by converting stored glycogen into glucose and promoting the production of new glucose.

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Ovaries

Female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone, regulating the menstrual cycle and sexual development.

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Testes

Male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and the hormone testosterone, driving sexual maturation and secondary sexual characteristics.

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Thymosin

A hormone produced by the thymus gland that is essential for the development of T-lymphocytes, crucial for cell-mediated immunity.

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Hormones of Pancreatic Islets

Pancreatic islets secrete insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels, while somatostatin inhibits the release of these hormones.

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Function of Estrogen & Progesterone

Estrogen and progesterone, produced by ovaries, regulate the menstrual cycle, trigger sexual maturity, and prepare the uterus for pregnancy.

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Study Notes

Endocrine System Overview

  • The endocrine system is comprised of ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood.
  • The endocrine system works alongside the autonomic nervous system to maintain homeostasis within the body.
  • The system is involved in regulating slower changes within the body, while the autonomic nervous system handles rapid changes.
  • Hormones are chemical messengers.

Glands of the Endocrine System

  • Pituitary gland: Located below the hypothalamus; produces various hormones (e.g. Growth Hormone, Prolactin).
  • Pineal gland: Located in the brain; produces melatonin, which is involved in regulating circadian rhythms.
  • Thyroid gland: Situated in the neck; secretes thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and calcitonin.
  • Parathyroid glands: Embedded in the thyroid gland; produce parathyroid hormone.
  • Adrenal glands: Located atop each kidney; composed of cortex and medulla; produce glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol), mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone), and catecholamines (e.g., adrenaline).
  • Pancreatic islets: Located in the pancreas, regulate blood glucose levels; produce insulin and glucagon.
  • Ovaries: In females; produce estrogen and progesterone.
  • Testes: In males; produce testosterone.
  • Thymus: Located in the chest; produces thymosin to aid in immune system development.

Locations of Endocrine Glands

  • Pituitary: Below the hypothalamus in the brain.
  • Pineal: In the brain.
  • Thyroid: Neck, front of larynx & trachea
  • Parathyroid: Embedded in the thyroid gland.
  • Adrenals: Atop each kidney.
  • Pancreas: Abdomen
  • Ovaries: Pelvic region in females.
  • Testes: Pelvic region in males.
  • Thymus: Chest.

Hormone Functions

  • Growth Hormone (GH): Promotes growth of bones, muscles, and other tissues.
  • Prolactin: Stimulates milk production.
  • Thyroid Hormones (Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine): Regulate metabolism.
  • Calcitonin: Regulates blood calcium levels by reducing calcium in the blood.
  • Parathyroid Hormone: Regulates blood calcium levels by raising calcium in the blood.
  • Cortisol (Glucocorticoids): Involved in the stress response, regulates metabolism, and suppresses inflammation.
  • Aldosterone (Mineralocorticoids): Regulates electrolyte balance.
  • Adrenaline (Catecholamine): Controls the "fight or flight" response.
  • Noradrenaline (Catecholamine): Maintains blood pressure.
  • Insulin: Reduces blood glucose levels.
  • Glucagon: Increases blood glucose levels.
  • Melatonin: Regulates circadian rhythms and sleep cycles.
  • Estrogen & progesterone: Involved in menstrual cycle regulation and sexual maturation in women.
  • Testosterone: Influences sexual maturation and secondary sexual characteristics in men.

Disorders of the Endocrine System

  • Disorders are caused by either too much hormone (hyper-) or too little hormone secretion (hypo-).
  • Examples include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and Addison's disease.

Role of the Endocrine System

  • The endocrine system is essential in maintaining homeostasis – balance within the body's internal environment.
  • The endocrine system works together with the autonomic nervous system.
  • The function of the system is to direct and regulate the actions of the many other organs and systems in the body.

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