Chapter 26: HORMONES & THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

 Short-Term & Long-Term Stress

 Diabetes mellitus
 Hypo- and hyperthyroidism

I. Endocrine System

A. Endocrine System

-a collection of glands that produces hormones that regulate

metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction,

sleep, and mood

Endo (Greek) - within; crinis - to secrete

B. 9 glands:

1. hypothalamus
-lower central part of the brain
-regulation of satiety, metabolism, and body temperature
-secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress the release of hormones in the pituitary
gland
>somastostatin: causes the pituitary gland to stop the release of growth hormone

2. pineal gland
-located in the middle of the middle of the brain
>melatonin: helps regulate the wake-sleep cycle of the body

3. pituitary gland
-signal secretion of stimulating hormones
-controls the release of thyroid hormones

4. thyroid
-located at the lower front part of the neck
>thyroid hormones for metabolism
- bone growth
-development of the brain and nervous system in children
-maintain blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, muscle tone, and reproductive functions

5. parathyroid
-2 pairs of small glands embedded in the surface of the thyroid gland (one pair each side)
 >parathyroid hormone: regulates calcium levels in the blood and bone

6. thymus
-located behind the sternum and between the lungs
-is only active until puberty
-shrinks after puberty and becomes replaced by fat
>thymosin: stimulates the development disease fighting T cells

7. adrenal
-located at the top of each kidney
-2 parts (outer part: adrenal cortex > costicosteroids: regulate metabolism, balance of salt
and water, immune system, sexual function
inner part: adrenal medulla >catecholomines: adrenaline; help the body cope physical and
emotional stress by increasing the heart rate and blood)

8. pancreas
-elongated organ located at the back of the abdomen
-has digestive and hormonal functions
-1) exocrine pancreas - secretes digestive enzymes
-2) endocrine pancreas - outer part; secretes insulin and glucagon - regulate the level of
glucose

9. ovaries/testes (reproductive glands)

-main source of sex hormones
-male: testes, located at the scrotum, secretes androgens
-female: ovaries, located at the both side of the uterus, secretes estrogen and progesterone
and eggs

C. Diseases

1) Stress

-natural physical and mental reaction to life

2) Diabetes Mellitus

-high levels of sugar glucose

3) Hyperthyroidism & Hypothyrodism

-hyper: an overactive thyroid; produces too much thyroxine hormone

-hypo: accelerates the body's metabolism. Sudden weight loss, irregular heartbeat, nervousness,
irritability

II. Interviews

A. Dr. Neil Amba, UST Hospital

1) What causes stress?

-Disruption of homeostasis or the human body balance. Anything that causes disturbance. Other
forms of stress - emotional stress.

2) What are the effects of short-term and long-term stress?

Stress hormone: cateconomyn, eponomoprine, cortisol. Help body adapt to stress.

Disturbance in the neuroendocrine process

Chronic stress- hypertension, diabetes

3) What causes Diabetes Mellitus?

-Chronic. Common phenotype: Hyperglycemia- elevated levels of blood sugar.

Different types: Type 1, Type 2, or insulin dependent, non-insulin dependent, distational diabetes
mellitus (during pregnancy)

4) Is there any treatment for Diabetes Mellitus?

Pharmacology in terms of medication. Oral tablets and insulin.

Lifestyle. Balanced diet: Low glycemic index, high fiber diet, low salt diet, exercise

5) What is the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism - hyperfunctioning thyroid. Increased activity of the thyroid gland = increased

level of hormones.

Hypothyroidism - thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones sufficient for the
needs of the body. Decrease levels of thyroid hormones in the body = decreased levels of thyroid
hormones in the body.

6) Tips on how to take care of our endocrine system

Good lifestyle habits, balanced diet, avoid stress and bad habits.