The Endocrine System

Image Source:

http://drmikewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Bio-Identical-Hormones-2.jpg

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Objectives

After this Module the learner will be able to:

Understand the components of the Endocrine System

Understand how those components work together as a unit

What is the Endocrine System?

The Endocrine System is a body system of glands that secrete chemical messages to be transferred to organs throughout the body.

This system is a link between the brain and the organs that control the body (i.e. Mood, Metabolism, Growth & Development, and Reproduction)

Pineal gland (hypothalamus)

Pituitary gland

Thyroid gland

Thymus

Adrenal gland Pancreas

Ovary

Testes Image Source:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/Illu_endocrine_system.png References

Click the movie icon below to watch a video

about the Endocrine System

Pineal gland (a.k.a. Hypothalamus)

Located in the lower central part of the brain

Direct link between the endocrine system and the nervous system

The pineal gland secretes hormones which either suppress or stimulate the secretions from the pituitary gland

Pituitary gland

MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM ! ! !

Secretes multiple hormones which control the rest of the glands in the endocrine system

Influenced by factors including emotions and seasonal changes

How does it work

The Relay of Information

Pituitary gland sends hormonal messages

out to the body

Pituitary Gland senses hormones form Pineal

gland

Brain senses sunlight

Pineal gland detects Brain Message

Pituitary gland (continued)

Produces endorphins which work with the nervous system to reduce sensitivity to pain

Produces sex hormones which signal the testes and ovaries to make sex hormones

Controls the ovulation and menstrual cycles in women

Divided into two parts1. 1) Anterior lobe 2. 2) Posterior lobe

Anterior Lobe The purpose for the anterior lobe is

to regulate the processes of thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands.

It produces four main hormones1. Growth Hormone- Bone and tissue

development.

2. Prolactin- Activates milk production in women that are breast feeding.

3. Thyrotropin- Stimulates thyroid to produce thyroid hormones.

4. Corticotropin- Stimulates adrenal gland to produce hormones.

Posterior Lobe

Produces antidiuretic hormones which control the water balance in our bodies. (i.e. urine and kidney output)

Produces oxytocin which helps control uterine contractions during the female labor.

Thyroid gland

Produces the hormones thyroxine & triiodothyronine

These hormones control the rate that the body burns fuel to produce energy

Also help control bone, brain, and nervous system development

Attached to the thyroid are four smaller glands called the parathyroid. These glands produce two hormones.1. Parathyroid- Regulates calcium levels in the blood

2. Calcitonin- Helps the parathyroid hormone

Thymus

IMPORTANT TO THE IMMUNE SYSTEM ! ! !

Produces lymphocytes which mature into T cells

T Cells help fight against infection.

Thymus (drawing)

Image Source:

http://topicstock.pantip.com/chalermthai/topicstock/2007/11/A6027172/A6027172-48.jpg

Adrenal gland

Each person contains two of these, One located on top of each kidney

Made up of two parts1. Adrenal cortex2. Adrenal medulla

Adrenal Cortex

Produces hormones called Orticosteroids which regulate salt and water balance in the body, the body's response to stress, metabolism, the immune system, and sexual development and function.

Adrenal Medulla

Produces catecholamines; such as epinephrine, which is better known as adrenaline

Injections of epinephrine are used for severe allergic reactions. (i.e. epipen)

Pancreas

Produces two important hormones1. Insulin2. Glucagon

Both hormones work together to make sure the body maintains the right amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

Pancreas (drawing)

Image Source:

http://www.knowledgerush.com/wiki_image/a/a3/Pancreas.jpg

Ovaries

Produce two main hormones1. Estrogen- involved in the development of female

sexual features, pregnancy, and regulation of menstrual

cycle

2. Progesterone- involved in pregnancy and the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Testes

Produce hormones called androgens the most important being testosterone; These hormones regulate body changes associated with sexual development

Along with hormones from the pituitary gland, testosterone also aids the production of sperm by the testes.

The Endocrine System

Video Source:

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic-art/101396/107032/Hormones-secreted-by-the-glands-of-the-endocrine-system-are

References

endocrine system, human. [Video]. Retrieved October 10, 2010, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic-art/101396/107032/Hormones-secreted-by-the-glands-of-the-endocrine-system-are

Miller, K. R., & Levine, J. S. (2002). Biology. Prentice Hall