Endocrine System
What is the endocrine system?
The endocrine system is made up of glands and the hormones they secrete.
the endocrine glands are the primary hormone producers, the brain, heart, lungs, liver, skin, thymus, gastrointestinal mucosa, and placenta also produce and release hormones.
The primary endocrine glands are the pituitary (the master gland), pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, islets of Langerhans, adrenals, ovaries in the female and testes in the male.
The function of the endocrine system is the production and regulation of chemical substances called hormones.
Hormones
A hormone is a chemical transmitter
It is released in small amounts from glands, and is transported in the bloodstream to target organs or other cells. Hormones are chemical messengers, transferring information and instructions from one set of cells to another.
Hormones regulate growth, development, mood, tissue function, metabolism, and sexual function.
Hyposecretion or hypersecretion of any hormone can be harmful to the body
Controlling the production of hormones can treat many hormonal disorders in the body
The endocrine system and nervous system work together to help maintain homeostasis
The hypothalamus is a collection of specialized cells located in the brain, and is the primary link between the two systems. It produces chemicals that either stimulate or suppress hormone secretions of the pituitary gland
Secretions from the anterior pituitary gland
Growth Hormone (GH): essential for the growth and development of bones, muscles, and other organs. It also enhances protein synthesis, decreases the use of glucose, and promotes fat destruction.
Adrenocorticotropic (TRŌ pun) (ACTH): essential for the growth of the adrenal cortex.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): essential for the growth and development of the thyroid gland.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): is a gonadotropic hormone
It stimulates the growth ovarian follicles in the female and the production of sperm in the male.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH): is a gonadotropic hormone stimulating the development of corpus luteum in the female ovarian follicles and the production of testosterone in the male.
The yellow corpus luteum remains after ovulation; it produces estrogen and progesterone
Prolactin (PRL): stimulates the development and growth of the mammary glands and milk production during pregnancy.
The sucking motion of the baby stimulates prolactin secretion
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH): regulates skin pigmentation and promotes the deposit of melanine in the skin after exposure to sunlight
Secretions from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): stimulates the reabsorption of water by the renal tubules. Hyposecretion of this hormone can result in diabetes insipidus.
Oxytocin: stimulates the uterus to contract during labor, delivery, and parturition. A synthetic version of this hormone, used to induce labor, is called Pitocin. It also stimulates the mammary glands to release milk