1. Endocrine System

2. What is the endocrine system?
The endocrine system is a series of glands that release chemicals into the blood.
These chemicals affect many different cells in the body.
This system is a different way for parts of the body to communicate.

3. Hormones
Hormones are chemicals released in one part of the body, travel through the blood, and affect cells in other parts of the body.
Examples:
Adrenaline
Estrogen
Testosterone

4. Glands:
A gland is any organ that produces and release a substance known as a secretion.
Two types of glands:
Exocrine glands
Endocrine glands

5. Exocrine glands
Exocrine glands have ducts that release secretions into the organs that use them.
Examples:
Salivary glands: release saliva into mouth
Tears come from glands under the cheekbones
Digestive chemicals are released by ducts in the liver and pancreas.

6. Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the blood.
The glands we will discuss after this point are all endocrine glands.

7. Hypothalamus
Hypothalamus – portion of the brain that controls the pituitary gland.
The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland through
Nerve connections
Hormones

8. Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland secretes nine hormones that directly controls body functions and controls several endocrine glands.
Functions regulated by the pituitary gland:
Growth
Blood Pressure
Sexual Development
Thyroid Function
Body Temperature

9. Pituitary Gland Hormones released by the pituitary gland:
Growth hormone (GH or HGH)– Increases rate of growth and accumulation of muscle mass.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) – causes ovulation in women and testosterone production in men.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) – causes women to release estrogen and men to produce sperm.

10. Pituitary Gland
Vasopressin – Causes the kidneys to remove more water from filtrate which produces less urine.
Oxytocin – Stimulates the beginning of labor and milk production in pregnant women; enhances bonding between people.

11. Thyroid Located at the base of the neck
Controls the speed of metabolism by producing thyroxine.
Hypothyroidism – too little thyroxine – low body temp, weight gain, fatigue
Hyperthyroidism – too much thyroxine – nervousness, weight loss, high blood pressure

12. Parathyroid Attached to the back of the thyroid
Maintains the correct level of calcium in the blood by controlling how much calcium the kidneys excrete.
Parathyrin – Increases the amount of calcium in the blood.
Calcitonin – Decreases the amount of calcium in the blood.

13. Adrenal glands Located on top of each kidney
Controls the amount of ions in the blood
Affects the rate of metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

14. Adrenal Glands Hormones produced by the adrenal glands:
Epinephrine (adrenaline) – produces fight-or-flight response.
Cortisol (hydrocortisone) – suppresses the immune system by decreasing the number of white blood cells.

15. Adrenal Glands
Aldosterone – increases the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidneys; decreases urine volume.
Androgens (including DHEA, Andro and DHT)- stimulate sex hormone release and provide chemical building blocks of estrogen and testosterone.
Produces small amounts of estrogen and testosterone in both genders

16. Pancreas Aids digestion and controls blood sugar levels
Insulin – decreases blood sugar levels
Glucagon – increases blood sugar levels.

17. Reproductive glands Ovaries – Female reproductive glands
Hormones produced by ovaries
Estrogen:
Controls the development of the lining of the uterus to prepare for pregnancy each month.
Produces female secondary sex characteristics including breast development and wider hip bones
Reduces muscle mass
Increases bone mass
Increases blood clotting

18. Reproductive Glands
Progesterone – referred to as the “hormone of pregnancy”
Maintains the lining of the uterus so an embryo can implant.
Decreases the immune system to protect the embryo from the mother’s immune system.
Inhibits milk-formation during pregnancy.
Decreases the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidney increasing the amount of urine produced.

19. Reproductive Glands Testes – Male reproductive glands Testosterone:
Stimulates sperm production
Produces male secondary sex characteristics including increased body hair, deeper voice.
Increased muscle mass
Increased bone mass