Endocrine System

What Is the Endocrine System? The endocrine system is a system in your body that is in charge of body processes that happen slowly. It is instrumental in: regulating mood growth and development tissue function metabolism sexual function and reproductive processes Hormones and glands are the foundation of the endocrine system.

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They transfer information and instructions from one set of cells to another. Many different hormones move through the bloodstream, but each type of hormone is designed to affect only certain cells. Hormones:

Glands are a group of cells that produce and secrete (give off) chemicals. A gland selects and removes materials from the blood, processes them, and secretes the finished chemical product for use somewhere in the body. Glands:

Endocrine glands release more than 20 major hormones directly into the bloodstream. The hormones are then transported to cells in all parts of the body. Endocrine Glands:

Pituitary Gland “The Master Gland” The pituitary gland is a pea shaped gland that is found at the base of the brain. Function: It is considered the most important part of the endocrine system and is called the “Master Gland" because it controls the activities of all other glands. (However, the pituitary gland is in turn controlled by the hypothalamus)

The pituitary is divided into three sections sometimes referred to as lobes: anterior intermediate posterior lobe The anterior lobe regulates the activity of the thyroid, adrenals, and reproductive glands. The anterior lobe produces hormones such as: somatropic, or growth hormone thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Pituitary

The intermediate, or middle lobe, is the smallest lobe. The hormone it produces and secretes is: melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). The posterior lobe stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus. The hormones it stores and releases are: antidiuretic hormone (ADH) oxytocin __________________________________________________________________________

Hypothalamus The hypothalamus is a collection of specialized cells that is located in the lower central part of the brain and connects the endocrine and nervous systems Function The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland and stimulates it to secrete hormones. It also has a hand in regulating body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, and anger.

Hypothalamus

Pineal The pineal gland, is located in the middle of the brain and takes on a pine cone shape. Function It secretes melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate when you sleep at night and when you wake in the morning.

Pineal

Thyroid The thyroid is located in the front part of the lower neck and is shaped like a bow tie or butterfly. Function The thyroid controls metabolism. It serves as the body’s thermostat, deciding how much energy to burn, and also how energetic you feel.

The thyroid produces two thyroid hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The production and release of thyroid hormones is controlled by a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which is secreted by the pituitary gland.

Parathyroid The parathyroid is made up of four tiny glands attached to the thyroid. Function The four tiny glands function together. They release parathyroid hormones which regulate the level of calcium in the blood and decide how to divvy it up between bones and blood.

Adrenal Glands Function The adrenal glands have two parts, each of which produces a set of hormones and has a different function. Two triangular glands, one on top of each kidney.

Adrenal Cortex- the outer part, produces hormones called corticosteroids that influence or regulate: salt and water balance in the body the body's response to stress metabolism the immune system sexual development and function. Adrenal Medulla- The inner part, the, produces epinephrine also called adrenaline, that increases blood pressure and heart rate when the body experiences stress.

Pancreas The pancreas plays a role in two different body systems. In the endocrine system it secretes hormones and in the digestive system it produces and secretes digestive enzymes. Function The pancreas produces two important hormones, insulin and glucagon. They work together to maintain a steady level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood and keep the body supplied with fuel to produce and maintain stores of energy.

Maintaining Your Endocrine Health Eat balanced meals Use stress management techniques Get 8 ½ to 9 hours of sleep a night Engage in regular physical activity Have regular medical check-ups

Endocrine System Problems Diseases and Disorders of the Endocrine System

Type 1 Diabetes (previously known as juvenile diabetes) When the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Kids and teens with this condition need regular injections of insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Type 2 Diabetes The body can't respond to insulin normally. Kids and teens with the condition tend to be overweight. Some can control their blood sugar level with dietary changes, exercise, and oral medications, but many will need to take insulin injections like people with type 1 diabetes.

Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are very high. The condition is usually caused by Graves' disease, an immune system problem that causes the thyroid gland to become very active. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are very low. The deficiency slows body processes. Kids and teens with this condition may also grow more slowly and reach puberty at a later age.

Growth Hormone Problems Too much growth hormone in kids and teens who are still growing will make their bones and other body parts grow excessively. This rare condition (sometimes called gigantism) is usually caused by a pituitary tumor and can be treated by removing the tumor. The opposite can happen when a kid or teen has a pituitary glad that doesn't produce enough growth hormone. Doctors may treat these growth problems with medication.

At 8 feet 3 inches, Sultan Kösen from Turkey is the worlds tallest man (32 years old) At 21 ½ inches, Chandra Bahadur Dangi, from Nepal, is the worlds smallest man (75 years old)

Testes

Adrenals pituitary Ovaries Pineal

Parathyroid PancreasThymus

Hypothalamus thyroid

PARATHYROID