ENDOCRINE SYSTEM FACT SHEET

KEY FUNCTION
Endocrine glands (ductless glands) secrete hormones that travel thru the
bloodstream to signal specific target cells
Along with the NS the endocrine system function to achieve and maintain
stability of the internal environment
GLANDS OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
HYPOTHALAMUS
Part of the diencephalon below the thalamus
Connects to pituitary gland
Regulates the ANS temp, appetite, sweating, thirst, sexual behavior
this occurs thru its connection with the pituitary
PITUITARY
Size of a pea located @ the base of the brain stem
2 separate glands adenohypophysis (anterior) and neurohypophysis
(posterior)
MOST IMPORTANT endocrine gland b/c it releases hormones that
regulate several other endocrine glands
Influenced by seasonal changes and emotions
Secretes endorphins that act on NS and reduce sensitivity to pain
Controls ovulation and works as a catalyst for the testes and ovaries
to create sex hormones
THYROID
Located anterior/laterally to trachea it is responsible for producing
triiodothyronine which controls the rate @ which cells burn the fuel
from food
PARATHYROID
Produce parathyroid hormone which is an antagonist to calcitonin
and is important for the maintenance of normal blood levels of
calcium and phosphate
Increases the reabsorption of calcium and phosphate from bones to
blood
Secretion of parathyroid is stimulated by hypocalcaemia
ADRENAL GLANDS
Outer portion = adrenal cortex, inner portion = adrenal medulla
Produces corticosteroids that regular water/sodium balance, bodys
response to stress, immune system, sexual development and
metabolism
Medulla produces epinephrine that increases HR and BP w/ increase
stress
PANCREAS
Includes both endocrine and exocrine tissues
Islets of Langerhans are hormone producing cells of the pancreas
Alpha cells produce glucagon and beta cells produce insulin
These hormones work together to ensure a consistent level of glucose
and maintain stores of energy
OVARIES
Provide estrogens and progesterone that regular menstrual
cycle/pregnancy
Estrogen is secreted by ovarian follicles: needed for the development
and maintenance of female characteristics
Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum and maintains the
lining of the uterus @ a level necessary for pregnancy
TESTES
Secrete androgens (most important = testosterone) which support
male sexual characteristics and production of sperm
HORMONE CLASSES
STERIOD HORMONES
Example = prostaglandins
Created by all cells from the phospholipids of the cell membranes
Do not circulate in blood but exert effects only where they are
produced
Effects include inflammation, pain, vasodilation, vasoconstriction,
nutrient metabolism and blood clotting
AMINE HORMONES
Example = catecholamines which are epinephrine, norepinephrine
and dopamine
Synthesized from chromaffin cells w/in adrenal medulla
Stimulated by SNS
Epinephrine has largest effect on the sympathetic nervous system
o Target receptors are in the cardiovascular system and
metabolic system
Other effects = increasing cardiac contraction, vasoconstriction,
activation of glycogen breakdown, blocking insulin secretion, increase
metabolic rate, dilation of airways
PEPTIDE HORMONES
Example = insulin
Secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans w/in pancreas