The endocrine system Advanced Health

What is it? The endocrine system is the collection of glands that produce hormones that are responsible for the following: 1.Producing and secreting hormones and chemical regulators 2. regulating metabolism, growth, and sexual development 3. responses to stress and injury 4. maintaining homeostasis

What makes up the Endocrine System? The endocrine system is made up of the following: Pituitary gland Pineal Gland Thyroid gland Parathyroid glands Adrenal glands Pancreas Ovaries (in females) Testicles (in males)

Hormones are a very powerful substance secreted by an endocrine gland into the bloodstream, that affects the function of another cell or "target cell". The Big Idea

The Pituitary Gland- a. k. a The Pituitary Gland- a.k.a. The Master Gland (because it controls all of the other glands): a tiny organ, the size of a pea, found at the base of the brain that produces many hormones that travel throughout the body, directing certain processes or stimulating other glands to produce other hormones.

Pituitary Gland is actually TWO Endocrine Glands… Anterior Pituitary Gland which secretes several major hormones including: Growth Hormone (GH) Prolactin (PRL) Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Posterior Pituitary Gland releases two hormones including: Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Oxytocin

The Pineal Gland The Pineal Gland, also known as the pineal body, is an important endocrine gland found in the brain that is responsible for your mood, sleep/wake cycles, and more. The pineal gland produces and secretes Melatonin, which helps regulate your daily and seasonal circadian rhythms, the sleep-wake patterns that determine your hormone levels, stress levels, and physical performance.

The Thyroid Gland The Thyroid Gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the base of your neck. It releases hormones that control metabolism (the way your body uses energy). The thyroid's hormones regulate vital body functions, including: Breathing Heart rate Central and peripheral nervous systems Body weight Muscle strength Menstrual cycles Body temperature Cholesterol levels

The thyroid gland uses iodine from the foods you eat to make two main hormones: Triiodothyronine (T3) Thyroxine (T4) It is important that T3 and T4 levels are neither too high nor too low. The hypothalamus produces TSH Releasing Hormone (TRH) that signals the pituitary to tell the thyroid gland to produce more or less of T3 and T4 by either increasing or decreasing the release of a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). When T3 and T4 levels are low in the blood, the pituitary gland releases more TSH to tell the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones. If T3 and T4 levels are high, the pituitary gland releases less TSH to the thyroid gland to slow production of these hormones. Why is it so important?

Hyperthyroidism (too much T3 and T4 in your body) vs Hyperthyroidism (too much T3 and T4 in your body) vs. Hypothyroidism (too little T3 and T4 in your body)

Parathyroid Glands The parathyroid glands are four small glands found on the back of the thyroid that have the sole purpose of secreting Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) to regulate the calcium level in our bodies. When the calcium level is high in the bloodstream, the thyroid gland releases calcitonin. Calcitonin slows down the activity of the osteoclasts found in bone. This decreases blood calcium levels. When calcium levels decrease, this stimulates the parathyroid gland to release parathyroid hormone.

Adrenal Glands The adrenal glands, located at the top of each kidney, produce hormones that help the body: Control blood sugar Burn protein and fat React to stressors like a major illness or injury Regulate blood pressure

• The adrenal cortex, the outer part of the gland, produces hormones that are vital to life, such as cortisol (which helps regulate metabolism and helps your body respond to stress) and aldosterone (which helps control blood pressure). The adrenal medulla, the inner part of the gland, produces nonessential (that is, you don’t need them to live) hormones, such as adrenaline (which helps your body react to stress).

The Pancreas is large gland behind the stomach that helps the body to maintain healthy blood sugar (glucose) levels. Contains islands of cells called the Islets of Langerhans which secrete glucagon and insulin. Pancreas

The ovaries maintain the health of the female reproductive system The ovaries maintain the health of the female reproductive system. They secrete two main hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen- hormone responsible for secondary sex characteristics and the for the sex drive in females; the “egg producing” hormone Progesterone- hormone that builds up the lining of the uterus to prepare it for the fertilized ovum; the “egg setting” hormone Found in men, this gland produces testosterone, which promotes the growth of the penis as a male gets older as well as facial and body hair. It also deepens the voice of a male at a certain age. Other functions of testosterone include: Maintaining sex drive Promoting production of sperm Maintaining healthy levels of muscle and bone mass Ovaries and Testicles