1. How the Brain Controls Hormones
The Endocrine System
How the Brain Controls Hormones

2. How is the Endocrine System Different From the Nervous System?
Hormones
Slower response
Long lasting (hours to weeks)
Glands
Action potentials
Rapid response
Short-lived
Neurons

3. Under the Brain’s Control
The hypothalamus of the brain regulates the pituitary gland
Pituitary releases hormones which control the rest of glands

4. Hormones Chemical signals in the blood stream
Bind to receptors on/in specific target cells
May have wide-spread actions

5. Example: Growth Hormone
Stimulates:
Release of sugar
Cell division, growth of organs
Protein synthesis
Elongation of bone
Growth of muscles

6. Pituitary Gland Releases many important tropic hormones
Act on other endocrine glands

7. Example Finals are coming up, you get stressed
Hypothalamus stimulates release of ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone) by releasing corticotropin-releasing hormone.
ACTH binds to adrenal cortex on top of kidneys, stimulates release of corticosteroids
Corticosteroids trigger release of sugar into the blood and divert attention from less urgent matters
Like your immune system, so you get sick

8. Hormones of the Pituitary
Non-Tropic
Tropic
Growth hormone
ADH
Prolactin
Oxytocin
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
Luteinizing hormone
Follicle Stimulating Hormone

9. Antagonistic Hormones
Check and balance – have opposite effects
Very important in maintaining proper homeostasis

10. Example: Insulin and Glucagon

11. Other Endocrine Glands
Pancreas
Thyroid
Adrenal gland
Testes/ovaries

12. Pancreas Secretes insulin and glucagon – controls blood glucose
Also an exocrine gland – direct secretion (e.g. salivary glands, sweat glands)

13. Thyroid Secretes several metabolism controlling hormones
Also calcitonin, which reduces blood calcium

14. Releases stress hormones
Adrenal Gland
Releases stress hormones
Adrenaline
Cortisol and other glucocorticoids

15. Testes/Ovaries Release androgens (testosterone) and estrogens
Control primary (reproductive) and secondary sex characteristics (beards, etc.)