The Endocrine System EQ: What are the parts and purposes of the Endocrine System and how do they relate to psychology?
I. What is the Endocrine System? The endocrine system is a series of glands that are placed in various parts of the body These glands produce hormones which help to regulate certain processes and psychological aspects within the body These glands work in tandem with the circulatory and nervous systems
II. What is Purpose of the Endocrine System? The main purpose of the Endocrine System is to main homeostasis within the body at all times To do this, the Endocrine System must constantly release different types of hormones in order to trigger certain functions within the body These functions allow us to not only live, but also to enjoy certain aspects of life
III. What are the Parts of the Endocrine System and what are their functions? The Endocrine system is generally divided into three parts based on where the glands reside within the body The three areas of the body that house the endocrine system are… -Head and Neck -Upper Torso -Lower Torso
A. Head and Neck: Hypothalamus The Hypothalamus is a small clump of cells located in the brain The Hypothalamus is responsible for linking the endocrine system with the nervous system
A. Head and Neck: Pituitary Gland The Pituitary Gland is located in the skull just behind the nose The Pituitary Gland releases hormones that effect growth, sexual development, human reproduction and metabolism
A. Head and Neck: Pineal Gland The Pineal Gland has several very important functions The most important of these is the production of Melatonin which regulates sleep A lack of melatonin can cause a person to have difficulty sleeping
A. Head and Neck: Thyroid Gland The Thyroid Gland is located behind the Adams Apple The Thyroid’s main function is to produce energy from digested nutrients within the body An overactive/underactive thyroid can cause extreme weight loss or gain
B. Upper Torso The Thymus regulates the production of T-Cells that are involved within the immune system These T-Cells protect us from viruses and bacteria
C. Lower Torso: Ovaries In females, Ovaries produce the most important female hormone Estrogen Ovaries also produce the female’s eggs that are requires to reproduce
C. Lower Torso: Testicles (Testes) Instead of Ovaries, males have Testicles which produce Testosterone The Testes also produce sperm which is required for human reproduction
C. Lower Torso: Uterus Females have a Uterus The purpose of this organ is to give a place for the human embryo to develop before birth
C. Lower Torso: Pancreas The Pancreas’ primary role in the Endocrine System is to regulate blood sugar To do this, the Pancreas creates Insulin and Glucagon throughout the day based on the food we eat A diabetic person has a problem with their production of insulin