Endocrine System
Endocrine System Overview
- Network of glands/organs that produce hormones (chemical messengers).
- Regulates growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress.
Major Endocrine Glands & Functions
Gland Function
Hypothalamus Homeostasis, links nervous & endocrine systems.
Pituitary “Master gland” – controls other glands.
Thyroid Metabolism, growth, energy regulation.
Parathyroid Calcium & phosphate balance
Pineal Sleep-wake cycle via melatonin.
Thymus T-cell maturation (immune system).
Adrenals Stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline), electrolyte
balance.
Pancreas Blood sugar control (insulin/glucagon), digestive enzymes.
Ovaries/Testes Sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone).
Hypothalamus
- Location: Base of brain.
- Functions:
- Maintains homeostasis (temp, hunger, thirst, sleep).
- Controls pituitary hormone secretion.
- Hormones:
- Releasing hormones (CRH, TRH, GnRH, GHRH).
- Oxytocin & Vasopressin (stored in posterior pituitary).
Pineal Gland
- Location: Epithalamus, near the third ventricle.
- Functions:
- Melatonin: Regulates circadian rhythm.
- Affects mood, bone metabolism, cardiovascular health.
Pituitary Gland
- Location: Below hypothalamus (sella turcica).
- Anterior Pituitary Hormones:
- GH, TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, Prolactin, MSH.
- Posterior Pituitary:
- ADH (vasopressin), Oxytocin.
- Disorders: Pituitary adenomas (cause hormone imbalances).
Thyroid Gland
- Location: Neck (below Adam’s apple).
- Hormones: T3, T4 (metabolism), Calcitonin (calcium).
- Disorders: Hypo-/Hyperthyroidism, Thyroiditis, Cancer.
Parathyroid Glands
- Location: Behind thyroid (usually 4 glands).
- Hormone: PTH
- Increases blood calcium (bone resorption, gut/kidney reabsorption).
- Importance: Nerve/muscle function, bone health.
Thymus Gland
- Location: Upper chest, behind sternum.
- Function:
- T-cell maturation (immune function).
- Produces thymosin.
- Shrinks after puberty.
Adrenal Glands
- Location: On top of each kidney.
- Adrenal Cortex:
- Aldosterone (Na⁺/K⁺ balance), Cortisol (metabolism, stress),
Androgens.
- Adrenal Medulla:
- Epinephrine & Norepinephrine (fight or flight).
- Disorders: Cushing’s, Addison’s, Pheochromocytoma.
Pancreas
- Location: Behind stomach.
- Exocrine: Enzymes (amylase, lipase, trypsin), bicarbonate.
- Endocrine (Islets of Langerhans):
- Insulin (↓ blood glucose), Glucagon (↑ blood glucose), Somatostatin,
Pancreatic polypeptide.
- Disorders: Diabetes, Pancreatitis, Cancer.
Ovaries
- Location: Pelvic region (either side of uterus).
- Hormones:
- Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone (small amt), AMH, Inhibins A/B.
- Cycle Phases:
- Follicular → Ovulatory → Luteal.
- Other Roles:
- Bone, cardiovascular, and skin health.
- Controlled by: GnRH → FSH & LH.
Testes
- Location: In the scrotum (outside abdominal cavity).
- Hormones:
- Testosterone – male sex characteristics, sperm production.
- Inhibin – inhibits FSH to regulate sperm production.
- Functions:
- Sperm production (spermatogenesis).
- Develops male sexual traits (puberty).
- Maintains libido and muscle/bone growth.
- Regulation:
- GnRH → stimulates LH & FSH → LH makes testosterone.
- Disorders:
- Hypogonadism, testicular cancer, andropause.