ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

The endocrine system is an integrated system of small organs that involve the release of extracellular signaling molecules known as hormones. It is instrumental in regulating metabolism, growth, development and puberty, tissue function, and also plays a part in determining mood It works in parallel with the nervous system to control growth and maturation along with homeostasis. Gland any organ that secretes substances for bodily use or secretes substances to be eliminated by the body. TWO TYPES OF GLANDS: 1. Exocrine glands with ducts or tubes that secrete and excrete substances into the skin or body cavities. Ex. Sweat glands that excretes substances (perspiration) into the skin. 2. Endocrine Glands ductless or no tubes. Secrete substances and release them directly into the bloodstream. Hormones A chemical substance produced by the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs. Greek word hormn which means to stimulate Hormones are messengers, they coordinate the activities of billions of cells in the human body 1. Pituitary Gland

A small oval endocrine gland attached to the base of the brain. The most structurally and functionally complex organ of the endocrine system. Also known as the master gland
The pituitary gland has two lobes: 1. Anterior Lobe Hormones: Gonadotropins (Follicle-stimulating hormones and Luteinizing hormone) Stimulates the growth and activities of gonads (reproductive organs) Growth hormone(GH) growth of bones and tissues Prolactin Stimulates the mammary glands for milk production. Adenocorticotrpin (ACTH) Thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH)-

2. Posterior lobe
Hormones: Oxytocin Let-down-reflex of mothers milk and contracts the uterus during childbirth. Antidiuretic Hormone stimulates the bodys water absorption

Hormonal Imbalances 1.Dwarfism A condition characterized by extreme shortness with disproportion of body parts. Due to under production of the Growth hormone 2.Gigantism - a condition characterized by excessive growth and height over production of the Growth hormone 3. Acromegaly - hormonal disorder that results from too much production of growth hormone (GH) in the body. Manifestations such as abnormal growth of the hands and feet 4. Diabetes Insipidus - is a condition characterized by excretion of large amounts of severely urine due to deficiency in ADH 2.Thyroid Gland

The main hormones released by the thyroid are triiodothyronine,(T3), and thyroxine (T4). These hormones affect the human growth and metabolism
Hormonal Imbalances: Hypothyroidism -- An underactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism -- An overactive thyroid. Goiter -- An enlarged thyroid. 3. Parathyroid Gland 4 pea-shaped glands located at the posterior of the thyroid gland Secretes the Parathormone, which controls the calcium in the blood Hormonal Imbalances: Tetany or lock jaw Characterized by the spasm of the muscles of the lower jaw leading to convulsions or muscular rigidity. Due to under activity of the Parathyroid glands Lethargy Manifested by muscular weakness and decrease in nerve cell activity 4. Thymus Gland soft, flattened, pinkish-gray organ located in the upper chest under the breastbone Known as the gland of babyhood Secretes the hormone thymosin Its primary function is to stimulate the production of T cells, which are an important part of the immune system 5.Adrenal Gland

Butterfly-shaped gland located at the base and anterior part of the throat

They are chiefly responsible for regulating the stress response through the synthesis of
corticosteroids and catecholamine 2 Layers Adrenal cortex - The outer layer of adrenal gland. It produces hormones necessary for fluid and electrolyte balance in the body such as cortisone and aldosterone. It also makes sex hormones .

triangle-shaped endocrine glands that sit on top of the kidneys.

 Adrenal medulla - The central layer. It is responsible for producing epinephrine and
norepinephrine Hormonal Imbalances:

Addisons disease Characterized by bronze-like, muscle weakness, fatigue and low blood
pressure. Due to Under Activity of the gland Cushing disease - caused by high levels of cortisol in the blood. It causes upper body obesity, rounded face, increased fat around the neck, and thinning arms and legs.

6. Islets of Langerhans They are groups of specialized cells in the pancreas that make and secrete the following hormones: Insulin Controls the sugar level in the blood Glucagon - which raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood Hormonal Imbalances: Diabetes mellitus - characterized by high blood sugar (glucose)levels, that result from defects in insulin secretion, or action, or both. Insulin Shock characterized by convulsion or seizure 7. Gonads Sex organ that makes gametes. These organs are responsible for producing the sperm and ova. Ovaries The gonad of females. It secretes two hormones, estrogen and progesterone Testes The gonad of males that secretes the hormone called testosterone Testosterone It is responsible for the appearance of secondary sex characteristics. The growth and development of the male reproductive structures Increased skeletal and muscular growth Enlargement of the larynx accompanied by voice changes Growth and distribution of body hair Increased male sexual drive Estrogen The development of the breasts Distribution of fat evidenced in the hips, legs, and breast Maturation of reproductive organs such as the uterus and vagina Progesterone It causes the uterine lining to thicken in preparation for pregnancy.