Endocrine System The nervous system sends electrical messages to control and coordinate the body.

The endocrine system has a similar job, but uses chemicals to communicate. These chemicals are known as hormones. A hormone is a specific messenger molecule synthesized and secreted by a group of specialized cells called an endocrine gland. These glands are ductless, which means that their secretions (hormones) are released directly into the bloodstream and travel to elsewhere in the body to target organs, upon which they act. Note that this is in contrast to our digestive glands, which have ducts for releasing the digestive enzymes. Pheromones are also communication chemicals, but are used to send signals to other members of the same species. Queen bees, ants, and naked mole rats exert control of their respective colonies via pheromones. One common use for pheromones is as attractants in mating. Pheromones are widely studied in insects and are the basis for some kinds of Japanese beetle and gypsy moth traps. While pheromones have not been so widely studied in humans, some interesting studies have been done in recent years on pheromonal control of menstrual cycles in women. It has been found that pheromones in male sweat and/or sweat from another dominant female will both influence/regulate the cycles of women when smeared on their upper lip, just below the nose. Also, there is evidence that continued reception of a given mans pheromone(s) by a woman in the weeks just after ovulation/fertilization can significantly increase the chances of successful implantation of the new baby in her uterus. Pheromones are also used for things like territorial markers (urine) and alarm signals. Each hormones shape is specific and can be recognized by the corresponding target cells. The binding sites on the target cells are called hormone receptors. Many hormones come in antagonistic pairs that have opposite effects on the target organs. For example, insulin and glucagon have opposite effects on the livers control of blood sugar level. Insulin lowers the blood sugar level by instructing the liver to take glucose out of circulation and store it, while glucagon instructs the liver to release some of its stored supply to raise the blood sugar level. Much hormonal regulation depends on feedback loops to maintain balance and homeostasis. There are three general classes (groups) of hormones. These are classified by chemical structure, not function. steroid hormones including prostaglandins which function especially in a variety of female functions (aspirin inhibits synthesis of prostaglandins, some of which cause cramps) and the sex hormones all of which are lipids made from cholesterol, amino acid derivatives (like epinephrine) which are derived from amino acids, especially tyrosine, and peptide hormones (like insulin) which is the most numerous/diverse group of hormones.

The major human endocrine glands include: (clipart edited from Corel Presentations 8)

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the hypothalamus and pituitary gland The pituitary gland is called the master gland but it is under the control of the hypothalamus. Together, they control many other endocrine functions. They secrete a number of hormones, especially several which are important to the female menstural cycle, pregnancy, birth, and lactation (milk production). These include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates development and maturation of a follicle in one of a womans ovaries, and leutinizing hormone (LH), which causes the bursting of that follicle (= ovulation) and the formation of a corpus luteum from the remains of the follicle. There are a number of other hypothalamus and pituitary hormones which affect various target organs. One non-sex hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary is antidiuretic hormone or ADH. This hormone helps prevent excess water excretion by the kidneys. Ethanol inhibits the release of ADH and can, thus, cause excessive water loss. Thats also part of the reaso n why a group of college students who go out for pizza and a pitcher of beer need to make frequent trips to the restrooms. Diuretics are chemicals which interfere with the production of or action of ADH so the kidneys secrete more water. Thus diuretics are often prescribed for people with high blood pressure, in an attempt to decrease blood volume. Another group of non-sex hormones that many people have heard of is the endorphins, which belong to the category of chemicals known as opiates and serve to deaden our pain receptors. Endorphins, which are chemically related to morphine, are produced in response to pain. The natural response to rub an injured area, such as a pinched finger, helps to release endorphins in that area. People who exercise a lot and push their bodies until it hurts thereby stimulate the production of endorphins. It is thought that some people who constantly over-exercise and push themselves too much may actually be addicted to their own endorphins which that severe exercise regime releases. the thyroid gland Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, therefore body temperature and weight. The thyroid hormones contain iodine, which the thyroid needs in order to manufacture these hormones. If a person lacks iodine in his/her diet, the thyroid cannot make the hormones, causing a deficiency. In response to the bodys feedback loops calling for more thyroid hormones, the thyroid gland then enlarges to attempt to compensate (The bodys plan here is if its bigger it can make more, but that doesnt help if there isnt enough iodine.). This disorder is called goiter. Dietary sources of iodine include any ocean foods because ocean-dwelling organisms tend to accumulate iodine from the seawater, and would include foods like ocean fish (tuna) and seaweeds like kelp. Because of this, people who live near the ocean do not have as much of a problem with goiter as people who live inland and dont have access to these foods. To help alleviate this problem in our country, our government began a program encouraging salt refiners to add iodine to salt, and encouraging people to choose to consume this iodized salt. the pancreas This organ has two functions. It serves as a ducted gland, secreting digestive enzymes into the small intestine. The pancreas also serves as a ductless gland in that the islets of Langerhans secrete insulin and glucagon to regulate the blood sugar level. The -islet cells secrete

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glucagon, which tells the liver to take carbohydrate out of storage to raise a low blood sugar level. The -islet cells secrete insulin to tell the liver to take excess glucose out of circulation to lower a blood sugar level thats too high. If a persons body does not make enough insulin (and/or there is a reduced response of the target cells in the liver), the blood sugar rises, perhaps out of control, and we say that the person has diabetes mellitus. the adrenal glands These sit on top of the kidneys. They consist of two parts, the outer cortex and the inner medulla. The medulla secretes epinephrine (= adrenaline) and other similar hormones in response to stressors such as fright, anger, caffeine, or low blood sugar. The cortex secretes corticosteroids such as cortisone. Corticosteroids are well-known as being antiinflammatory, thus are prescribed for a number of conditions. However, these are powerful regulators that should be used with caution. Medicinal doses are typically higher than what your body would produce naturally, thus the persons normal feedback loops suppress natural secretion, and it is necessary to gradually taper off the dosage to trigger the adrenal glands to begin producing on their own again. Because the corticosteroids suppress the immune system, their use can lead to increased susceptibility to infections, yet physicians typically prescribe them for people whose immune systems are hard at work trying to fight off some pathogen. For example, back when I was in grad school, I was diagnosed with mono, and the campus doctor prescribed penicillin and cortisone. Since mono is a virus and penicillin only is effective against some bacteria, about all it did was kill off the friendly bacteria in my body, therefore causing me to develop a bad case of thrush. At the same time, the cortisone was supressing my immune system so my body could not as efficiently fight off the mono and the thrush. People with high blood pressure should be leery of taking prescription corticosteroids: they are known to raise blood pressure, thus can cause things like strokes. My mother-in-law had high blood pressure and was being treated with diuretics. Her physician also had her on large doses of cortisone for her arthritis. While he was on vacation, she started having significant back pain and was referred to an orthopedic surgeon. This man decided the back pain was just due to arthritis, and without carefully checking on what dosage she was already taking, prescribed more cortisone. Simultaneously, because of difficulty walking due to her arthritis, she decided to decrease the amount of diuretics she was taking so she didnt have to make as many long trips to the other end of the house. The combination of lowered dose of diuretics and high dose of cortisone raised her blood pressure to the point where a blood vessel in her brain burst, causing a stroke. When the EMTs took her blood pressure, as I recall the systolic was way over 200 mm Hg. the gonads or sex organs In addition to producing gametes, the female ovaries and male testes (singular = testis) also secrete hormones. Therefore, these hormones are called sex hormones. The secretion of sex hormones by the gonads is controlled by pituitary gland hormones such as FSH and LH. While both sexes make some of each of the hormones, typically male testes secrete primarily androgens including testosterone. Female ovaries make estrogen and progesterone in varying amounts depending on where in her cycle a woman is. In a pregnant woman, the babys placenta also secretes hormones to maintain the pregnancy. the pineal gland This gland is located near the center of the brain in humans, and is stimulated by nerves from the eyes. In some other animals, the pineal gland is closer to the skin and directly stimulated by light (some lizards even have a third eye). The pineal gland secreted melatonin at night when its dark, thus secretes more in winter when the nights are longer. Melatonin promotes sleep (makes you feel sleepy). It also affects reproductive functions by depressing the activity of the gonads. Additionally, it affects thyroid and adrenal cortex functions. In some animals, melatonin affects skin pigmentation. Because melatonin production is affected by the amount of light to which a person is exposed, this is tied to circadian rhythm (having an activity cycle of about 24 hours), annual cycles, and biological clock functions. SAD or seasonal affective disorder (syndrome) is a disorder in which too much melatonin is produced, especially during the long nights of winter, causing profound depression, oversleeping, weight gain, tiredness, and sadness. Treatment consists of exposure to bright lights for several hours each day to inhibit melatonin production. It

has also been found that melatonin levels drop 75% suddenly just before puberty, suggesting the involvement of melatonin in the regulation of the onset of puberty. Studies have been done on blind girls (with a form of blindness in which no impulses can travel down the optic nerve and reach the brain and pineal gland), which showed that these girls tended to have higher levels of melatonin for a longer time, resulting in a delay in the onset of puberty. While some older people, who dont make very much melatonin, thus dont sleep well, might benefit fro m a melatonin supplement, Im skeptical of the recent melatonin craze in this country. When so many people apparently are suffering from SAD, I question the wisdom of purposly ingesting more melatonin, especially since the pineal gland is one of the least-studied, least-understood of the endocrine glands. Local regulators are hormones with target cells nearby or adjacent to the endocrine gland in question. For example, neurotransmitters are secreted in the synapses of our nervous system and their target cells are in the same synapses.

Your endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate your body's growth, metabolism, and sexual development and function. The hormones are released into the bloodstream and transported to tissues and organs throughout your body. The Table below the illustration describes the function of these glands.

Glossary Adrenal glands Divided into 2 regions; secrete hormones that influence the body's metabolism, blood chemicals, and body characteristics, as well as influence the part of the nervous system that is involved in the response and defense against stress. Hypothalamus Activates and controls the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary body functions, the hormonal system, and many body functions, such as regulating sleep and stimulating appetite. Ovaries and testicles Secrete hormones that influence female and male characteristics, respectively. Pancreas Secretes a hormone (insulin) that controls the use of glucose by the body. Parathyroid glands Secrete a hormone that maintains the calcium level in the blood.

Pineal body Involved with daily biological cycles. Pituitary gland Produces a number of different hormones that influence various other endocrine glands. Thymus gland Plays a role in the body's immune system. Thyroid gland Produces hormones that stimulate body heat production, bone growth, and the body's metabolism. Source: AMA's Current Procedural Terminology, Revised 1998 Edition. CPT is a trademark of the American Medical Association. Endocrine System Function Do you know what are the endocrine systems functions? The gland system that produces chemical secretions that help to control the body's metabolic activity is known as the endocrine system. This article will help know more on endocrine system function.

Ads by Google HumanGrowthHormones Get Lean, Build Muscle & Lose Fat. Free Shipping - Buy 2 Get 1 Free! www.HumanGrowthHormones.com Bio-Identical Hormones Risks You Should Know And How To Reduce Them MeridianValleyLab.com Siberian Chaga Extract Naturally Improve Your Immunity! Prevent Cancer And Diabetics. www.chagatrade.ru Every reaction in your body, from breaking down food into energy, the mood swings that you have, physiological development of your body, development of your reproductive system, etc. are all carried out by certain chemicals. These certain chemicals are known as hormones in your body. These slow processes that take time to develop are a part of the endocrine system functions. Breathing, body movement, sudden reaction to the surroundings are a part of the nervous system functions. The endocrine systems consists of hormones and glands. The hormones are the chemical messengers of

the body that travel down to the various body parts concerned transferring information. There are many hormones secreted by the endocrine system, and each individual type of hormone affects only those body cells that have a genetic program that allows them to react only to those hormones that are related to them. The hormones influence the body to react according to the changes in the balance of fluids and minerals in blood, stress, infection, etc. Let us understand more on how does the endocrine system function. How Does the Endocrine System Function? Endocrine system is a collection of 'glands' that produce hormones. These hormones are very important for regulating metabolism process, growth of the body and sexual development. The glands release the hormones into the blood stream and are transported to the various cells and body parts. When the hormones reach the target site, they bind to the receptor cells with a lock and key mechanism. The hormone may be present within the nucleus or on the surface of the cells. Once bound to the receptor, the hormones transmit a signal that triggers an action by the site. Hormones control the organs function and affect the growth and development of the organs. It is due to the hormones that the sexual characteristics of the organs develop and act accordingly. They also determine the use and storage of energy in the body, regulate the fluid, salt and sugar levels in the blood. Minute amount of hormones trigger large reactions within the body. All hormones are proteins, but all proteins are not hormones. Steroids are not derived from proteins, but from the fatty substances from cholesterol. The body has a well-controlled feedback system that manages the on/off button of the endocrine gland. When the chemical level or the nutrient level in the body is abnormally high or low, the endocrine glands secrete the hormones. Once the levels of the body fluids are normal the hormones secretions is shut down. When the glands receive information to secrete hormones, it is a positive feedback mechanism. When the glands receive information to stop the secretions of the hormones, it is known as negative feedback. Functions of Endocrine System The endocrine system is a collection of glands that secrete different hormones for the various functions and chemical reactions occurring within the body. The main function of the endocrine system is to maintain a stable environment within the body or homeostasis. For example, maintaining the blood sugar levels according to changes occurring in the body is homeostasis. The major function of the of the endocrine system is promoting the structural changes of the body. For example, the permanent changes occurring in the body over the period of time like height, development of sexual organs, etc. is a part of the structural changes. There are 8 major glands that help in the endocrine system functions. These major endocrine glands are as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Hypothalamus Pituitary gland Parathyroid gland Thyroid gland Adrenal glands Pancreas Ovaries (in female body) Testes (in male body)

Let us know more about the various endocrine system functions with the help of the above mentioned endocrine glands.

Hypothalamus: A collection of specialized cells that are located in the lower central part of the brain is called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is the main link between the endocrine system and the nervous system. The nerve cells of the hypothalamus control the pituitary gland by stimulating or suppressing the hormone secretions. Pituitary Gland: The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain just below the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland is the most important part in the endocrine system. The pituitary gland secrete hormones on the basis of the emotional and seasonal changes. The hypothalamus sends information that is sensed by the brain to pituitary triggering production hormones. The pituitary gland is divided into two parts: the anterior lobe and the posterior lode. The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland regulated the activity of the thyroid, adrenals, and the reproductive glands. The anterior lobe also produces hormones like: o Growth Hormone: To stimulate the growth of the bones and tissues. It also plays a role in the body's absorption of nutrients and minerals. o Prolactin: To activate the production of milk in lactating mothers o Thyrotropin: To stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones o Corticotropin: To stimulate the adrenal glands to produce certain hormones. Endorphins are also secreted by the pituitary that acts on the nervous system and lower the feelings of pain. The pituitary glands produces hormones that signal the reproductive organs to secrete sex hormones. The menstrual cycle and ovulation in women is also controlled by the pituitary gland. The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland produces antidiuretic hormone that helps to control the water balance in the body. Oxytoxins that trigger the contractions of the uterus in a woman who is in labor is secreted by the posterior lobe.

Thyroid Gland: The thyroid gland is situated in the front part of the lower neck that is shaped like a bow tie or butterfly. The production and secretions of the hormones of the thyroid glands are controlled by thyrotropin secreted by the pituitary gland. Thyroid produces thyroxine and triiodothyronine, that control the rate at which the cells use up energy from food for production of energy. The thyroid hormones are very important a they help in growth of bones and the development and growth of the brain and nervous system in children. Over or under secretion of thyroid hormones leads to a number of thyroid problems in the body. Parathyroids: These are four tiny glands that are attached to the thyroid gland. They release the parathyroid hormone that helps in regulating the level of calcium in blood along with another hormone produced by thyroid called as calcitinin. Adrenal Glands: On each of the two kidneys, there are two triangular adrenal glands situated. The adrenal gland is divided into two parts. The outer part called the adrenal cortex produces corticosteroids, that influence and regulate the salt and water levels. They are also helpful in the body's response to stress, metabolism, immune system and the function and development of sexual organs. The inner part called as the adrenal medulla, secrete catecholamines like epinephrine. This hormone is also called the adrenaline, it increases the blood pressure and heart rate when the body is under stress. Know more on Adrenal problems. Reproductive Glands or Gonads: The gonads are present in males and females and are the main organs producing sex hormones. In men, the gonads are related to testes. The testes are located in the scrotum and secrete androgens. The most important hormone for men testosterone is secreted from the testes. In women, ovaries are the gonads that are located in the pelvis region. They produce estrogen and progesterone hormones. Estrogen is involved during the sexual maturation of the girl, that is, puberty. Progesterone along with estrogen are involved in the regulation of menstruation cycle. These hormones are also involved during pregnancy. Pancreas: These glands are associated with the digestive system of the human body. They secrete digestive enzymes and two important hormones insulin and glucagon. These hormones work together to maintain the level of glucose in the blood. If these hormones are not secreted in the required levels, it leads to development of diabetes. Know more on pancreas problems. Pineal: The pineal gland is located in the center of the brain. Melatonin is secreted by this gland that helps regulate the sleeping cycle of a person.

Thus, the endocrine system fact is the organ that regulates metabolism, growth, development, tissue functions, puberty and even moods. These are are the basic endocrine system functions that help keep

our bodies in working condition. Any kind of problem in the endocrine system function will result in many disorders and abnormalities in the body. Thus, maintain a healthy diet so that the endocrine system functions in optimum conditions. Just as the car needs engine oil to run smoothly, our bodies require hormones secreted by the endocrine system to continue working efficiently. What Are The Functions Of The Endocrine System An informative article on: What Are The Functions Of The Endocrine System. The chief function of the endocrine system is to release hormones directly into the blood to act as messengers that control and coordinate activities throughout the entire body. Each hormone controls at least one physiological function within one area of the body, but some control functions throughout the entire body. Hormones are either proteins, which makes up the largest percentage, or steroids and they control growth and development, reproduction, sexual characteristics, metabolism, volume of fluids in the body, levels of salts and sugar in the blood. Hormones can also act as communicators outside the body, between two individuals. Two Methods of Signaling Local signaling is the first method and it involves the release of hormones by a cell or a gland into interstitial fluids to signal a response in nearby cells. The second method is known as long distance signaling. Hormones are released into the bloodstream to be carried to areas of the body where a receptor cell awaits a signal to activate in order to perform a function. Growth and Development The development and growth of new cells is controlled by hormones. Growth hormones signal both the commencement as well as the rate of growth. During research it was substantiated that laboratory mice that had been injected with EGF, epithelial growth factor, evidenced faster skin growth. Reproduction Estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormones and follicle stimulating hormones are the main hormones secreted by the endocrine system that are necessary to reproduction. These hormones function to signal the reproductive system to respond in certain ways. For instance, the luteinizing hormone signals the ovary to release an egg to the fallopian tube to await fertilization. Secondary Sexual Characteristics Although not primarily part of the reproductive system, secondary sexual hormones function to determine the physical characteristics of males and females. As an example, they determine facial hair on males and the size of breasts in females. These hormones secreted by the endocrine system signal the development of the testes and penis in males as well as the ovaries in females. Metabolism Hormones that are secreted by the endocrine glands also function to regulate the way the body uses and stores energy. Probably the most well known hormone of this type is insulin which is secreted by the pancreas to control the metabolism of both sugars and lipids. External Communicators outside the Body Pheromones differ from hormones in that they function as external communicators outside the body. They are secreted from sweat glands, primarily the underarms, and are known to signal a response between individuals. Pheromones are known to act as communicators between animals of the same species. There is mounting evidence to suggest that they affect the way individuals react to each other. So then, the endocrine system functions by releasing chemicals that signal a response in a receptor site. That site can be internal to the body, either in close proximity to the site where they are secreted or elsewhere throughout the body. And other chemicals released, such as pheromones, function by signaling a response between individuals of the same species.

It is done through a process called homeostasis which is controlled through a negative feedback mechanism loop. Various receptors and effectors bring about a reaction to ensure that such conditions remain favourable. The hypothalamus acts as a receptor in regulation, by detecting fluctuations in temperature. These receptors are better known as thermoreceptors. Skin also possesses thermoreceptors which can detect the temperature of the external environment. This information is relayed to the hypothalamus which can in turn transmit nerve pulses for corrective mechanisms to occur. Vasodilation is a corrective response where the blood vessels close to the skin surface become more dilated, meaning their is a larger surface area for heat to be lost of the external environment from the blood vessel carrying over-heated blood. Vasoconstriction is the opposite of this and occurs when temperatures in an organism drop. The blood vessels become constricted so that minimal heat loss occurs. The hairs on your body also play an important role in temperature regulation. A corrective response can occur where the hairs 'stand on end', and trap a layer of air between the hair and the skin. This insulation of warmer air next to the skin reduces heat lost, while a thin layer of insulation would increase heat loss. Other corrective mechanisms are involved, such as a drop in metabolic rate and shivering when temperatures drop. The human body has the remarkable capacity for regulating its core temperature somewhere between 98F and 100F when the ambient temperature is between approximately 68F and 130F according to Guyton. This presumes a nude body and dry air. The external heat transfer mechanisms are radiation, conduction and convection and evaporation of perspiration. The process is far more than the passive operation of these heat transfer mechanisms, however. The body takes a very active role in temperature regulation. The temperature of the body is regulated by neural feedback mechanisms which operate primarily through the hypothalmus. The hypothalmus contains not only the control mechanisms, but also the key temperature sensors. Under control of these mechanisms, sweating begins almost precisely at a skin temperature of 37C and increases rapidly as the skin temperature rises above this value. The heat production of the body under these conditions remains almost constant as the skin temperature rises. If the skin temperature drops below 37C a variety of responses are initiated to conserve the heat in the body and to increase heat production. These include Vasoconstriction to decrease the flow of heat to the skin. Cessation of sweating. Shivering to increase heat production in the muscles. Secretion of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and thyroxine to increase heat production In lower animals, the erection of the hairs and fur to increase insulation. Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_does_your_body_regulate_the_internal_body_temperature#ixz z1MO07J8r3