Lesson-1-Endocrine-System • Controls water retention (ADH) and stimulates milk

production/uterine contraction (Oxytocin).

Endocrine System Overview
• Composed of glands that secrete hormones affecting almost every Pineal Gland
cell, organ, and function in the body. • Located beneath the corpus callosum, regulates body rhythms and
• Essential for regulating growth, development, metabolism, sleep patterns.
reproduction, and mood. • Produces Melatonin, which synchronizes daily rhythms.

Major Endocrine Glands Thyroid Gland

• Pineal Gland: Regulates sleep. • Controls metabolism speed and influences mental/physical
• Pituitary Gland: Known as the "master gland," controls other growth.
endocrine glands, stimulates growth. • Produces Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3).
• Hypothalamus: Links endocrine system and nervous system, • Calcitonin lowers blood calcium levels.
controls hormone release from the pituitary.
• Thyroid Gland: Controls metabolism, burns fuel from food, Parathyroid Gland
regulates calcium storage in bones. • Regulates blood calcium levels: raises calcium by releasing
• Parathyroid Glands: Regulates calcium levels in the blood. Parathormone (PTH).
• Adrenal Glands: Prepares body for action during emergencies
(controls heart rate and breathing). Adrenal Gland
• Pancreas: Produces insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. • Located above the kidneys; consists of adrenal cortex and
• Thymus: Helps produce T-cells for the immune system. medulla.
• Reproductive Glands: Control maturation, male characteristics,
female traits, and reproductive functions. Medulla:
• Produces adrenaline (epinephrine) for stress response and
Glands Defined noradrenaline (norepinephrine) to increase heart rate and energy.
• Gland: An organ whose cells secrete materials, sometimes via
ducts. Cortex:
• Endocrine Glands: Ductless and secrete hormones directly into • Produces hormones (Androgens, Estrogens, Cortisol) influencing
bloodstream. blood pressure, stress responses, and sexual characteristics.
• Exocrine Glands: Deliver substances through ducts to specific
body locations. Pancreas
• Functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland.
Hormones and Their Functions • Produces Insulin to lower blood sugar and Glucagon to raise
• Hormones are special protein substances that trigger functions in blood sugar.
the body.
• External factors and age can affect hormone secretion. Gonads
• Distinction from enzymes: • Ovaries in females and testes in males.
• Enzymes: Catalysts that accelerate reactions, can be reused, • Produce sex hormones:
regulated by external factors. • Testosterone regulates male development.
• Hormones: Messengers, change chemically after use, secreted by • Estrogen and Progesterone regulate female development and
endocrine glands, act at different sites. reproductive processes.

Lesson-2-Hormones Lesson-3-Diseases-and-Disorders

Hormones Overview What is Endocrinology?

• Endocrinology studies hormones that are crucial for survival,
• Hormones: Chemical messengers that carry instructions to cells, controlling temperature, sleep, mood, stress, and growth.
changing their activities. • An endocrinologist treats hormone-related diseases.
• Most hormones are slow-acting and longer-lived. • Hormones are chemical messengers traveling through the
Endocrine System Function bloodstream, secreted by endocrine glands (e.g. pituitary, thyroid,
• Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream, adrenal). Sweat and lymph glands are not endocrine.
targeting specific cells with receptors.
• Secreting Cell (gland) → Hormone → Blood Vessel → Target Diabetes Mellitus
Cell (receptor) • Definition: A group of metabolic disorders causing high blood
Key Glands and Their Functions glucose due to inadequate insulin production or cell resistance to
Hypothalamus insulin.
• Small brain region connecting to pituitary gland. • Types:
• Regulates pituitary gland hormones. • Type 1 Diabetes: Body does not produce insulin; requires lifetime
• Central regulator of the hypo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis which insulin injections, blood tests, and diet management.
manages stress. • Type 2 Diabetes: Body produces minimal insulin or cells resist
• Controls hormone production related to growth, metabolism, and insulin.
reproductive functions. • Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal
changes impacting insulin usage.
Pituitary Gland
• Consists of anterior and posterior lobes; regulates various Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
hormonal functions. • Definition: GDM occurs when hormones from the placenta
hinder insulin effectiveness, causing glucose to accumulate in the
Anterior Pituitary Functions: blood.
• Produces hormones stimulating adrenal glands (ACTH), growth • Outcome for Unborn Baby: Untreated GDM can lead to
of bones (GH), melanin production (MSH), and sex hormone macrosomia, a condition where the baby grows excessively large.
production (FSH, LH).
• Stimulates milk production (Prolactin).
Thyroid Disorders
Posterior Pituitary Functions:
• Overview: Involves abnormal thyroid hormone production (both • Spermatogenesis: Process of sperm production, occurs in
excessive and insufficient). seminiferous tubules; takes about 74 days for sperm to fully
mature.
Hyperthyroidism • Involves meiosis, resulting in haploid sperm cells.
:Commonly known as Graves’ disease, characterized by a goiter Semen Composition
and symptoms like rapid heartbeat, fatigue, and thinning hair. • Semen: Mixture containing sperm (5%) and secretions from
• Treatment methods include medication (anti-thyroid drugs, beta- various glands (95%).
blockers) or surgical intervention (thyroidectomy).
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms Lifespan and Viability of Sperm
• Common symptoms: Goiter, rapid heartbeat, trembling, warm • Sperm can survive for several days within the female
skin, weight loss, nervousness, irritability, etc. reproductive tract (up to 5 days).
• Sperm can be preserved for decades when frozen.
Hypothyroidism Sperm and Semen Distinction
• Definition: Insufficient thyroid hormone production leading to • Sperm are male gametes, while semen is the fluid containing
low metabolism. sperm along with secretions from male sex organs.
• Symptoms can be gradual and include fatigue, weight gain,
feeling cold, constipation, hair loss, slow heart rate, etc. Sperm Count and Fertility
Normal and Low Sperm Counts
• Pituitary Dwarfism: Insufficient growth hormone leading to short • Average sperm count: 40-300 million per mL.
stature. • Low sperm count: Below 10 million per mL; fertility is still
• Gigantism: Excess growth hormone in children/adolescents often possible even with lower sperm counts.
due to pituitary tumors, causing abnormal height growth. Lifestyle Impact on Sperm Production
• Factors affecting sperm count include smoking, alcohol
Congenital Athymia consumption, obesity, and exposure to heat.
• A rare disorder with no thymus, affecting T-cell production
crucial for immune response. Myths Surrounding Sperm Production
Melatonin Deficiency • Wearing briefs does not significantly affect sperm count.
• Common Symptoms: Insomnia, depression, weight gain linked to • Pre-ejaculate can potentially lead to pregnancy due to the
disrupted sleep patterns. presence of sperm.
• Sperm production decreases with age.
Endocrine Health Maintenance
• Eat nutrient-rich foods, exercise regularly, manage weight, and Prostate Cancer
reduce stress for better endocrine health. Symptoms
• Address family medical history and seek early medical attention • Frequent urination, pain during urination or ejaculation, loss of
for endocrine disorders. bladder control, and blood in urine or semen.
Causes and Risk Factors
• Unknown causes; but factors include age, race, and family
history.
Lesson-4-Male-Reproductive-System
• Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and is highly treatable when
detected early.
Importance of Men in Reproduction
• Men play a crucial role in reproduction by producing sperm cells.
Prostatitis
Sperm Production
Symptoms and Causes
• Specialized organs known as testes create sperm cells.
• Symptoms include frequent urination, painful urination, and
possible fever. Causes arise from bacterial infections.
Testes Location
• Testes are positioned outside the abdominal cavity to maintain a
Undescended Testicles
lower temperature that is necessary for optimal sperm production.
• Cryptorchidism: Condition where testicles do not descend
properly; often remedied by surgery.
Male Reproductive System
• Associated with premature birth and hormonal interferance.
Components and Functions
• The male reproductive system consists of various organs
including the:
Lesson-5-Female-Reproductive-System
• Penis: Deposits sperm into the female reproductive tract during
copulation.
Female Reproductive System Overview
• Urethra: Carries semen and urine out of the body.
• Structure: Consists of internal and external parts including:
• Vas deferens: Transports sperm from the epididymis to the
• Mons pubis
urethra.
• Clitoris
• Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone.
• Labia majora & minora
• Prostate and Seminal Vesicles: Contribute to semen production.
• Vagina
Hormonal Regulation
• Uterus (includes cervix)
• Ovaries
Key Hormones
• Fallopian tubes
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone
• Urethral opening
(LH): Produced by the pituitary gland; crucial for sperm
Functions
production and testosterone secretion.
• Primary Functions:
• Testosterone: Vital for male characteristics and spermatogenesis;
• Sexual intercourse
produced by Leydig cells in the testes.
• Reproduction
Hormonal Feedback Loop
• Menstruation
• High testosterone levels inhibit GnRH, FSH, and LH secretion to
maintain homeostasis.
Menstruation Cycle
Spermatogenesis Process
• Uterine Lining: Sheds if implantation does not occur.
• Egg Production: Ovaries produce eggs transported to fallopian
tubes during ovulation.
• Fertilization: Occurs in fallopian tubes; fertilized egg moves to Hormonal Regulation
uterus for implantation. • Key hormones include FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and
LH (Luteinizing Hormone) from the anterior pituitary, and
Hormonal Influence estrogen and progesterone from the ovaries.
• Sex Hormones: Maintain the menstrual cycle. • Feedback mechanisms control hormone levels:
• Menopause: Gradual stop in hormone production leading to • Positive Feedback: During ovulation (days 12-14) with high
irregular cycles. estrogen stimulating LH release.
• Negative Feedback: Prevents FSH and LH release at other times.
Key Organs Detailed Birth Control Pills
• Vagina: Muscular canal connecting cervix to the outside; • Function: Contain hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that
accommodates childbirth and holds tampons. prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to block sperm.
• Cervix: Allows sperm entry and menstrual blood exit; dilates Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
during childbirth.
• Uterus: Pear-shaped organ holding fetus, divided into cervix and Overview of common STIs:
corpus. • Syphilis: Caused by Treponema pallidum, can lead to severe
• Ovaries: Produce eggs and hormones; estrogen triggers female health issues if untreated.
characteristics. • Gonorrhea: Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, transmitted
through sexual fluids.
Egg Production (Oogenesis) • Chlamydia: Often asymptomatic, yet can lead to serious
• Egg Counts: Born with 6 million eggs; around 400,000 remain by reproductive health issues.
puberty. • Trichomoniasis: Caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
• Maturation: One egg matures per cycle; ovulation generally • HIV: Affects the immune system; can lead to AIDS.
occurs alternately in ovaries. • HPV: Can cause genital warts and cancers.
• Genital Herpes: Caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2 viruses.
Fertility Factors
• Egg Life: Released egg survives 12-24 hours post-ovulation;
sperm may survive up to 5 days.
• Age Impact: Egg quality deteriorates over time; women
menstruate fewer than 1000 eggs by menopause.

Health Concerns
• Endometriosis: Misplaced tissue causing pain and infertility.
• Uterine Fibroids: Common noncancerous tumors leading to heavy
periods or pain.
• Gynecologic Cancers: Awareness of cervical, ovarian, uterine,
vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
• PCOS: Condition with abnormal hormone levels leading to cyst
formation and various symptoms.

Lesson-6-Female-Reproduction-Cycles-Feedback-Mechanisms

Female Reproductive Cycle

• Ovarian Cycle: Changes in the ovary preparing the egg for
maturation.
• Menstrual Cycle: Changes in the uterus preparing for possible
implantation and pregnancy.

Ovarian Cycle
• Spans approximately 28 days.
• Ovulation: Monthly release of an ovum from the ovary.

Key Phases of Ovarian Cycle

• Follicular Phase
• Egg cells mature within follicles (clusters of cells that nourish the
egg).
• Follicle produces estrogen and undergoes growth due to FSH.
• Ovulation
• Triggered by an LH surge, causing the egg to burst from the
follicle into the fallopian tube.
• Luteal Phase
• Follicle transforms into corpus luteum, which secretes
progesterone and estrogen to prepare the uterine lining.
• If fertilization does not occur, corpus luteum degenerates, leading
to a new cycle.

Menstrual Cycle
• Lasts about 28 days, consists of multiple phases:
• Menstruation (Days 1-5): Shedding of the endometrium.
• Follicular Phase (Days 6-13): Follicles develop in ovaries;
estrogen levels rise.
• Ovulation (Day 14): Egg bursts from ovary.
• Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): Endometrium thickens, progesterone
levels peak; if there's no fertilization, levels drop leading to
menstruation.