1. The body’s slower, chemical communication system
Endocrine System
The body’s slower, chemical communication system 1

2. Major Glands of the Endocrine System
Pituitary Gland
Pineal Gland
Hypothalamus
Thyroid Gland
Parathyroid
Thymus
Adrenal Gland
Adrenal Cortex
Adrenal Medulla
Pancreas (Pancreatic Islets)
Testes
Ovaries

3. What does the Endocrine System Do?
Uses chemical signals for cell to cell communication – this is why it is slower than the nervous system
Coordinates the function of cells – e.g. cells in the uterus need to know when cells in the ovaries are active
Responds to information from the brain to keep body chemistry balanced- homeostasis 3

4. How are the brain and hormones connected?
Negative feedback loop (like a thermostat)
Glands
Body
Brain
HOMEOSTASIS –balanced internal environment 4

5. Glands of the Endocrine System and their location5

6. Hypothalamus Location: lies deep within the center of the brain
The master control gland !!!
Primary Hormones: No one specific hormone; called the “gate-keeper” regulating the release and inhibition of hormones
Functions: “gate-keeper” role; regulates pituitary
Major Disorders:

8. Pituitary Gland Location: Next to the hypothalamus
Primary Hormones: 9 primary hormones including GH, TSH, FSH, LH,
and Oxytocin
Functions: Reacts to signals send
from Hypothalamus, affects growth,
puberty and stimulates other glands.
“the master gland”;
Major Disorders: dwarfism, gigantism, Diabetes encephalis

9. Pineal Gland
Location: Between the pons and sides of the thalamus; size of a pea
Primary Hormones: Melatonin
Functions: Regulates sleep patterns; mating patterns; migration patterns; day and night rhythms
Major Disorders: Insomnia

11. Thyroid Gland Location: Anterior region of neck, surrounding trachea
Primary Hormones: Thyroxine (T-4) and Triiodothyronine (T-3)
Functions: Regulate iodine; calcium, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
Major Disorders: Goiter; Thyroid Cancer

13. Parathyroid Gland Location: 4 glands around the thyroid
Primary Hormones: PTH (parathyroid hormone)
Functions: Affects the bones and kidneys; maintain calcium levels in the blood
Major Disorders: Osteoporosis; Hyper- and Hypo- parathyroidism

15. Thymus Location: Thoracic cavity below the neck;
Primary Hormones: Thymosis;
Functions: produces immune cells, White Blood Cells that protect you from infection Major Disorders: Cancers (lymphomas)

17. Adrenal Gland
Location: Atop the kidneys; outer layer surrounding the adrenal medulla
Primary Hormones: Epinephrine and Norepinephrine (a.k.a. Adrenaline)
Functions: Increase blood pressure, heart rate, dilation of pupils (adrenaline rush , metabolism, levels of estrogen and testosterone
Major Disorders: Addison’s
disease and Cushing’s disease

19. Pancreas Location: Around the stomach and small intestine
Primary Hormones: Insulin and Glucagon (secreted by the pancreatic islets or the Islets of Langerhans)
Functions: Digestion of enzymes; regulate blood-glucose levels; insulin uptake
Major Disorders: Diabetes mellitus types I and II

21. Testes Location: Within the scrotum Primary Hormones: Testosterone;
Functions: Produce sperm and testosterone; primary and secondary sex characteristics
Major Disorders: Testicular cancer; Germ-cell tumors

23. Ovaries Location: In the abdomen at the end of the fallopian tubes
Primary Hormones: Estrogen,
Functions: Produce female gametes; Major Disorders: Ovarian Cancer;