Endocrine System PDF

The Endocrine System  Overview of the Endocrine System  The Endocrine System is made up of group of organs called endocrine glands. A gland is the smallest unit in the body that produces and releases a chemical substance called hormones.  Overall Role of the Endocrine System  The Endo...

The Endocrine System  Overview of the Endocrine System  The Endocrine System is made up of group of organs called endocrine glands. A gland is the smallest unit in the body that produces and releases a chemical substance called hormones.  Overall Role of the Endocrine System  The Endocrine System consists of many glands, which secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate daily activities of the body and control its overall development. The hormones act as chemical messengers in the body which stimulates many organs.  Overall Role of the Endocrine System  The Endocrine System is also known as the “system of checks and balances” that works to keep the body system healthy. One of the instances when the endocrine system is working properly is by sending chemical signals to another gland, which responds by controlling the chemicals of the first gland.  Overall Role of the Endocrine System  The Endocrine System is similar to a thermostat (temperature regulator). It may turn on when the temperature is below normal and may turn off when the temperature is above normal, thus the endocrine system turns on and off in response to the level of hormones in the body.  Overall Role of the Endocrine System  When the Endocrine System is not properly doing its job, the overall health of the body may be affected, such as energy level, physical appearance and the ability to produce offsprings. Endocrine Glands  Hypothalamus  Pituitary  Thyroid  Parathyroid  Thymus  Adrenal  Pancreas  Gonads (Ovaries and Testes) Major Glands of the Endocrine System Major Glands of the Endocrine System Hypothalamus -a small gland connected to the base of the brain that regulates the activities of the body such as metabolism and reproduction. Major Glands of the Endocrine System Pituitary The pituitary is the “master gland” that signals other glands to produce their hormones when needed. The anterior lobe of the pituitary receives signals from the hypothalamus, and responds by sending out the appropriate hormone to other endocrine glands. Major Glands of the Endocrine System Thyroid -it regulates the rate of metabolism. It secretes thyroxine which controls the calcium levels in the bloodstream. Major Glands of the Endocrine System Parathyroid -the four tiny glands located at the back of the thyroid gland. they secrete parathyroid hormones that regulates the minerals in the body such as calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream. Major Glands of the Endocrine System Thymus -the gland located between the lungs and produces the hormone thymusin that plays an important role in developing some of the body’s defenses against infections. Major Glands of the Endocrine System Adrenal -produces specific hormones that affect the functioning of the kidneys, metabolism and response to stressful situations.it controls the “fight or flight” response of the body. Major Glands of the Endocrine System Pancreas - located beneath the stomach. Produces insulin that controls the level of sugar in the blood. Major Glands of the Endocrine System Gonads -the two reproductive (ovaries for female and testes for male) glands that play an important role in reproduction.  Pituitary Hormones Pituitary Hormone Functions Follicle-stimulating Stimulates egg maturation in the ovary and release of sex hormone hormones. Lutenizing hormone Stimulates maturation of egg and of the corpus luteum surrounding the egg, which affects female sex hormones and the menstrual cycle. Thyroid-stimulating Stimulates the thyroid to release thyroxine. hormone Adrenocorticotropic Causes the adrenal gland to release cortisol. hormone Melanocyte-stimulating Stimulates synthesis of skin pigments. hormone Growth hormone Stimulates growth during infancy and puberty. Antidiuretic hormone Signals the kidney to conserve more water. Oxytocin Affects childbirth, lactation, and some behaviors.  Endocrine Hormones Gland Hormones Functions Thyroid Thyroxine Regulates metabolism Calcitonin Inhibits release of calcium from the bones Parathyroids Parathyroid hormone Stimulates the release of calcium from the bones. Pancreas Insulin Decreases blood sugar by promoting uptake of glucose by cells. Glucagon Increases blood sugar by stimulating breakdown of glycogen in the liver. Testes Testosterone Regulates sperm cell production and secondary sex characteristics. Ovaries Estrogen Stimulates egg maturation, controls secondary sex characteristics. Progesterone Prepares the uterus to receive a fertilized egg. Adrenal cortex Epinephrine Stimulates “fight or flight” response. Adrenal Glucocorticoids Part of stress response, increase blood glucose levels and decrease medulla immune response. Aldosterone Regulates sodium content in the blood. Testosterone (in both Adult body form (greater muscle mass), libido. sexes) Pineal gland Melatonin Sleep cycles, reproductive cycles in many mammals. Diseases of the Endocrine System 1. Hypothyroidism Diseases of the Endocrine System 2. Cushing’s syndrome Diseases of the Endocrine System 3. Metabolic syndrome Diseases of the Endocrine System 4. Gigantism and Dwarfism Diseases of the Endocrine System 5. Estrogen Deficiency 6. Testosterone Deficiency Ways to Keep the Endocrine System Healthy 1.Know your family history 2.Eat a healthy diet 3.Minimize stress in your life 4.Stay in touch with your doctor