ENDOCRINE SYSTEM Nervous (N) + Endocrine (E)= primary communicating & coordinating system in the body N communicates through

rough nerve impulses E communicates through chemical substances (hormones) reproduction, G&D, energy regulation E composed of glands produce, store, secrete hormones (though blood) target organs/tissues E glands: hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries, testes, & pineal.

Structures & Functions of E system: NOT all glands belong to E system Glands = organs of E system 2 types o Exocrine secrete substance into ducts empty into (body cavity) or onto (body surface skin) o Endocrine secrete substance directly into blood target tissues (organ/tissue hormones effect on) Hormones o Common characteristics: Secretions (variable & predictable rates) Circulation through blood Binding to receptors (membranes or within cell) o Classified by chemical structures: Lipid-soluble hormones steroid (adrenal cortex & sex glands) & thyroid hormones Water-soluble hormones all other hormones o Functions: Reproduction Response to stress & injury Electrolyte balance Energy metabolism Growth, maturation, & aging Some play a role in NS (act as neurotransmitters) Some influence behaviors (mood swing, depression) o Transport: Carried by blood to specific organ/tissue Water-soluble hormones circulate freely in the blood, not dependent on proteins Lipid-soluble hormones bound to blood plasma proteins (inactive stage) release their action at target tissue o Targets & Receptors: Hormones recognize target tissue through receptors on/within cells in lock & key mechanism Hormone acts only on cells that have specific receptors for that hormone Location of receptor sites affects mechanism of action for hormone Steroid & Thyroid hormone receptors: Are lipid soluble & locate inside cells 1. Pass through cell membrane bind to receptor sites at cytoplasm/nucleus 2. Intracellular hormone complexes bind to specific sites on DNA stimulate/ inhibit synthesis mRNA 3. mRNA is synthesized migrates to cytoplasm stimulates protein synthesis produce specific effects Protein Hormone Receptors: Located in target cell membrane, act in two steps process 1st messenger = receptor hormone itself stimulate 2nd messenger production such as, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) activating enzymes to regulate intracellular activity o Regulation of Hormonal Secretions: Hypothalamus Pituitary Thyroid Parathyroid Adrenal Pancreas

Gerontologic Considerations: Assessments Subjective Data Objective Data Diagnostic Studies Laboratory