The Endocrine System Overview

The Endocrine System

• The endocrine system is made up of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream
• Hormones affect almost all cells, organs, and bodily functions
• Hormones regulate growth, development, metabolism, and reproductive processes
• Endocrine glands secrete hormones
• Hormones travel throughout the body
• Hormones trigger a response in target organs
• Endocrine responses can take a few hours or even weeks

Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones

• The endocrine system consists of glands that release hormones into the body
• Each gland has specific functions, locations, and hormones produced
  • Pituitary gland: Located at the base of the brain; stimulates growth, controls functions of other glands; releases oxytocin, vasopressin, growth hormone, ACTH, prolactin, FSH
  • Thyroid gland: Located below the voice box; regulates body metabolism and calcium storage in bones; releases thyroxine, calcitonin
  • Parathyroid gland: Located in the neck; controls calcium levels and normalizes bone growth; releases parathyroid hormone
  • Thymus gland: Located in front of the heart; enables the body to produce certain antibodies; releases thymosin
  • Adrenal glands: Located on top of the kidneys; prepares the body for action by controlling heart rate, breathing; releases adrenaline
  • Pancreas: Located between the kidneys; regulates blood sugar levels; releases insulin, glucagon
  • Reproductive glands (Testes): Located in the lower abdomen of males; controls male characteristics, maturation; releases androgens, testosterone, estrogen
  • Reproductive glands (Ovaries): Located in the lower abdomen of females; influences female traits, supports reproductive function; releases progesterone

Effects of Hormones on the Body

• Hormones coordinate body processes
• Hormones regulate organ, tissue, and cell function
• Hormones impact growth, appearance, emotions and reproductive functions
• Hormones have both short-term and long-term effects
• Hormonal changes occur during puberty
• Hormonal imbalance can cause health problems

The Reproductive System

• The reproductive system is controlled by hormones
• Reproduction is essential for species survival
• Human reproduction is complex
• Males and females have different reproductive systems, but they use similar structures sometimes
• Hormones regulate reproductive functions in both males and females.

Male Reproductive System Parts and Functions

• Testes: Produce sperm
• Scrotum: Holds the testes
• Penis: Deposits sperm
• Vas deferens/Urethra: Carry sperm
• Glands: Provide liquid for sperm

Female Reproductive System Parts and Functions

• Ovaries: Produce egg cells
• Oviducts (Fallopian tubes): Passageway for eggs
• Uterus: Site of implantation and fetal development
• Vagina: Receives the penis
• Hormones regulate reproductive functions in both males and females

The Menstrual Cycle

• The monthly cycle in females
• Ovaries release eggs
• Hormones control egg release, uterine lining changes
• Cycle involves maturation of the egg, releasing of the mature egg, and uterine lining preparation.
• If the egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining is shed.