Endocrine System Overview Anatomy & Physiology
Endocrine System Overview Endocrine system works with nervous system to coordinate activities of body cells Endocrine glands- ductless; make hormones Hormones influence metabolic activities Exocrine glands- external secretions onto surface or other organ; sweat, mammary, lacrimal, salivary glands
Endocrine System Overview (continued) Hormones: chemicals released into blood to regulate metabolic functions of body cells Hormones can be circulating or local
Circulating Hormones: Main Types of Hormones Circulating Hormones: Amino acid based: most common Steroids: made from cholesterol Local Hormones Autocrines: affect cells that secrete them Paracrines: affect local and other cells
Control of Hormone Release Typically regulated by negative feedback system; receptors (upregulated or down) 3 Stimuli that Release Hormones Neural: nerve fibers stimulate hormone release Fight-or-flight Hormonal: release in response to hormones made by other endocrine organs Chain of command (pg. 271) Humoral: secrete in response to changing levels of nutrients in blood glucagon
Major Endocrine Organs Pituitary gland- “Vice president”; secretes 6 hormones from anterior; 2 posterior Includes: Growth Hormone (GH), PRO, ACTH, TSH, FSH, LH; posterior: ADH and oxytocin Thyroid gland- butterfly shaped; in neck Thyroid hormone (TH)- body’s major metabolic hormone Calcitonin- regulates blood levels of calcium
Major Endocrine Organs (continued) Parathyroid gland- found behind thyroid; Secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH) Important in controlling blood Ca+ levels Adrenal gland- pyramid shaped; top of kidneys A. cortex-makes corticosteroids including gonadocorticoids (sex hormones) Androgens: testosterone and estrogens A. Medulla: epinephrine & norepinephrine Pancreas- endocrine/exocrine gland insulin and glucagon Regulate blood sugar
Major Endocrine Organs (continued) Gonads(Ovaries or Testes- sex hormones Female: estrogens and progesterones Male: testosterone Pineal gland- pine cone-shaped; secretes melatonin (regulates sleep cycles) Thymus- beneath sternum; shrinks from child to adulthood. Makes peptide hormones; T lymphocytes
Other Hormone-Producing Structures GI tract, placenta, kidneys, skin, and adipose tissue can produce hormones Adipose & fatty tissue- leptin & prostaglandins Kidneys- erythropoietin (EPO)