Endocrine

system
Definition

The endocrine system refers to the Collection of glands of an organism that secrete hormones

directly into the circulatory system to be carried toward a distant target organ. It includes all the

glands of the body and hormones produced by those glands.

Functions

. Controls the processes involved in the movement and physiological equilibrium.

. Responds to Environmental changes to help the body cope with emergencies Infections, stress, etc.

. Helps regulate organic metabolism and energy balance.

. Contribute to management of growth and development.

Major endocrine system

There are up to 20 major hormones secreted by the glands in the endocrine system which are

essential to different tasks throughout the body which includes

Pineal gland . Pituitary gland .Pancreas . Ovaries . Teste .Thyroids gland .

Parathyroid gland . Hypothalamus gland . Gastrointestinal tract . Adrenal gland.

Pineal gland
This is found in the brain and it is located beneath The back part of the Corpus callosum
and it produce Melatonin a hormone which controls the cycle of sleep and wakefulness.
Pituitary gland
Pituitary gland(Master gland) pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base
of your brain below your hypothalamus. It sits in its own little chamber under your brain
known as the Sella turcica. It controls other glands of the body and It receives signal from
the hypothalamus. It consists of two lobes the posterior and anterior pituitary glands
The posterior pituitary gland secrete hormones made by the hypothalamus. It does not
produce hormones but it release them into circulation
The anterior pituitary gland produce hormones such as Thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),
Luteinising Hormones(LH), Follicle stimulating hormones(FHS),Growth hormones,
Prolactin, Adrenocorticotropic.
Pancreas
The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen. It plays an essential role in converting
the food we eat into fuel for the body’s cells. The pancreas has two main functions: an
exocrine function that helps in digestion and an endocrine function that regulates blood
sugar.
Ovaries
The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands located on either side of your uterus. They
produce and store your eggs (also called ovum) and make hormones that control the
menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Testes
Testis is the male reproductive gland that is responsible for producing sperm, it secretes
testosterone which is necessary for proper development in boys. The hypothalamus and
pituitary gland control how much testosterone the testes produce and secrete.
Thyroid gland

Regulate metabolism, which gives the body the

ability to break down food and convert it to energy
The two hormones thyroid gland produces & release
are T3 ( tri –iodothyronine ) and T4 ( thyroxine )
T3 And T4 increase the basal metabolic rate. They make all of
cells in the body work harder, so the cells need more energy too.
This has the following effects, for example:
Body temperature rises
Faster pulse and stronger heartbeat
Food is used up more quickly because energy stored in the liver
and muscles is broken down
The brain matures (in children)
Growth is promoted (in children).
Activation of the nervous system leads to improved concentration
and faster reflexes

Parathyroid Glands
Four tiny parathyroid glands are located around the thyroid in the
throat. ‘Para’ means ‘near’, which explains the name. These
glands are part of the endocrine system, which consists of a
range of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. The
main function of the parathyroid glands is to make the parathyroid
hormone (PTH). This chemical regulates the amounts of calcium,
Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is located at the base of the brain near the pituitary gland. It is a link between the endocrine and the nervous system. It plays a crucial role. In many important functions, including releasing and regulating body temperature
Hormones of the hypothalamus
A. Corticotropin – releasing hormone helps regulate metabolism and immune response by working with the pituitary gland and adrenal gland to release certain steroids .
B. Gonadotropin – releasing hormone instructs the pituitary gland to release more hormones that keep the sexual organs working .
C. Oxytocin – a hormone involved in several processes , including the release of a mother’s breast milk , moderating body temperature , and regulating sleep cycles .
D. Thyrotropin – releasing hormone activates the thyroid , which releases the hormones that regulate metabolism , energy levels , and developmental growth .
E. somatostati – inhibits the release of growth hormones.
Gastrointestinal tract
Are the Largest endocrine organ in the human body and produces numerous mediators that play an integral role in regulating functions of the GI tract The gastrointestinal tract (GI tract, digestive tract, alimentary canal) is the tract or passageway of the digestive system that leads from the mouth to the anus. The GI tract contains
all the major organs of the digestive system, in humans and other animals, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Food taken in through the mouth is digested to extract nutrients and absorb energy, and the waste expelled at the anus as feces.
Adrenal Glands
Are small , triangular – shaped glands located on top of both kidneys .
Produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism , immune system , blood pressure , response to stress, and other essential functions . And also
Produce the hormones cortisol, which is released during times of stress to help your body get an energy boost and better handle an emergency situation .
 Endocrine Disorder
Acromegaly
Acromegaly occurs when the body makes too much growth
hormone. It can result in the unusual growth of bones, organs, and
other tissues around the body. For example, it can cause:
swollen hands and feet, growth of facial features, bone changes,
such as a protruding jaw, thick, dry skin, sweating and body odor, a
deeper voice.
PCOS
PCOS occurs when an imbalance of reproductive hormones may
cause problems in the ovaries. It can cause symptoms that include:
irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair acne, thinning hair, weight
gain or difficulty losing weight, darkening skin, skin tags
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too many
hormones. The condition has several possible causes, including
inflammation of the thyroid gland or Graves’ disease. It symptoms
An endocrine disorder results from the improper function of the endocrine system, which includes the glands that secrete hormones, the receptors that respond to hormones and the organs that are directly impacted by hormones. At any
includes:
one of these points, dysfunction can occur and cause wide-ranging effects on the body.
Some of the most common types of endocrine disorders include:
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that causes high blood glucose levels Trusted Source due to the body being unable to either produce or use insulin sufficiently to regulate glucose. Two of the most common types of diabetes are type 1 and type
2
A rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, irritability and
Cushing’s syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome occurs when there is an excess of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol helps the body respond to stress, regulate metabolic processes, and maintain blood pressure. nervousness, tiredness, poor temperature regulation, frequent bowel
Too much cortisol in people with Cushing’s syndrome can cause symptoms that include:
weight gain, thin arms and legs, a fatty lump between the shoulders, excessive hair growth, muscle weakness, blurry vision.
Hypothyroidism
movements, weight loss with an increased appetite.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. It is the most common thyroid disorder, and it can cause bodily processes to slow down.
Symptoms may include:
tiredness, sensitivity to cold, slow speech, dry skin, a slow heartbeat, muscle cramps, confusion, constipation, weight gain.