Endocrine System

System of glands(ductless) that release extracellular signaling molecules, known

as hormones to directly into the blood stream
Functions
1. Metabolism( The endocrine system regulates the rate of metabolism and
influences the maturation of tissues such as of the nervous system)
E.g Thyroid hormones
2. Ion Regulation( The endocrine system regulate blood ph as well as the
Na, K and Ca concentrations in the blood)
3. Water Regulation( regulates water balance in controlling the solute
concentration of the blood)
E.g Antidiuretic Hormone
4. Immune System Regulation
E.g Tyrosine
5. Heart rate and Blood pressure regulation
E.g. Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
6. Control of Blood Glucose and other nutrients
E.g. Insulin and Glucagon
7. Control of Reproductive functions
E.g. Testosterone and Estrogen
8. Uterine Contractions and milk release
E.g. Oxytocin

Organs of the Endocrine System

1. Hypothalamus
Part of the diencephalon located below the thalamus and is
connected to the pituitary gland
The highest center of the endocrine system that performs its functions
through hormonal and nervous system
It secretes Releasing Hormones for the pituitary gland
Secretes Oxtocin that is stored in the Posterior pituitary gland
Secretes Anti-Diuretic Hormone or Vasopressin that is also in the
posterior pituitary gland.
2. Pituitary Gland

The master gland

Located below the hypothalamus at the base of the brain
Divided into three parts
Anterior Pituitary gland
o Adenohypophisis
o Release and synthezise hormones
Growth hormone (GH)
Stimulates growth of bone and muscle,
promotes protein synthesis and fat
metabolism, decreases carbohydrate
metabolism
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Stimulates synthesis and secretion of adrenal
cortical hormones
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Stimulates synthesis and secretion of thyroid
hormones
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Female: stimulates growth of ovarian follicle,
ovulation
Male: stimulates sperm production
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Female: stimulates development of corpus
luteum, release of oocyte, production of
estrogen and progesterone
Male: stimulates secretion of testosterone,
development of interstitial tissue of testes
Posterior Pituitary Gland
o Neurohyphophisis
o Does not produce but stores and release
Antidiuretic hormone
Increase water reeabsorption by kidney
Oxytocin
Stimulates Uterine contraction and milk
ejection
 Intermediate Pituitary Glands
Melanotropin
Skin colour regulations
Endhorpin
Pain receptors
3. Thyroid gland

Located in the anterior neck lateral to the trachea

Produces thyroid hormones by the thyroid follicles
primary function of the thyroid hormone is to control the
cellular metabolic activity.
stimulates oxidation
Stimulate Growth
Influence the development of the nervous system

4. Parathyroid gland

Located at the back of the thyroid gland (four in number)

Produces parathyroxine hormone
protein hormone from the parathyroid glands that regulates
calcium and phosphorus metabolism.
Increased secretion of parathormone results in
increased calcium absorption from the kidney, intestine,
and bones, thereby raising the blood calcium level
5. Timus Glands

Located in mediastinum behind os. Sternum

activate growth of the body
Reduce the activity of the sex glands
for the immunity of body
6. Adrenal Glands

Two small glands lying in the retroperitoneal region

Adrenal Medulla
o The adrenal medulla functions as part of the autonomic
nervous system.
o Stimulation of preganglionic sympathetic nerve
fibers,which travel directly to the cells of the adrenal
medulla, causes release of the catecholamine hormones
epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Adrenal Cortex
o promotes organic metabolism, regulates sodium and
potassium, response to stress, preadolescent growth
spurt
Glucocorticoids
Gluconeogenesis
 Regulates blood sugar by conserving glucose
and cortisone
Mineralocorticoids
Aldosterone, corticosterone
Regulates electrolyte balance by Na retention
and K excretion
Androgens and Estrogens
Secondary sex characteristics
7. Pancreas

This retroperitoneal organ has both endocrine and exocrine

functions
The endocrine function resides in the Islets of Langerhans
The islets have three types of cells- alpha, beta and delta cells
The Alpha Cells Secrete Glucagon
The Beta Cells Secrete Insulin
The Delta Cells Secrete Somatostatin
8. Gonads
Responsible for secondary sex characteristics and reproductive
function
ovaries,
estrogen, progesterone, inhibin - decreases secretion of
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
testes
Produce testosterone hormone
Produces relaxin hormone
Location:
two ovaries are situated in the lower abdomen on each side
of the uterus.
The testes are the pair of male sex organs that form within
the abdomen but descend into the scrotum

Reference : https://www.scribd.com/document/133867996/Endocrine-System