Topic : COORDINATED FUNCTIONS OF THE REPRODUCTIVE, ENDOCRINE, AND NERVOUS

SYSTEMS
Objective : Explains the role of hormones involved in the female and male reproductive systems
(S10LT-IIIb-34)
Discussion :

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
➢ Its main function is for control and regulation of the body processes.
➢ the collection of ductless glands that produce hormones that
regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function,
sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood, among other
things.

Hormones
➢ Chemicals produced by the endocrine glands and carried by the
blood to another part of the body, called the target organ, where it
send messages to control and regulate the functions of the body.

Endocrine Glands and their Hormones and Functions

1. PITUITARY/HYPOPHYSIS GLAND
- The major endocrine gland (master gland). A pea-sized body
attached to the base of the brain, the pituitary is important in
controlling growth and development and the functioning of the
other endocrine glands. It is composed of three lobes, the anterior
or adenohypophysis, the central midlobe or intermediate lobe and
the posterior lobe or neurohypophysis.

Hormones Produced and Their Functions

Hormone Function
A. Posterior Lobe
Oxytoxin Stimulates the smooth muscle of the uterus to contract during
childbirth and mammary gland cells.
ADH or Antidiuretic Hormone Causes the smooth muscles in the walls of the arteries to
(Vasopressin) contract, thus increasing blood pressure. It also regulates the
amount of water reabsorbed by the nephrons in the kidneys.
When the excess water is present in the body, the posterior
lobe of the pituitary gland secretes less ADH and, as a result,
the kidneys excrete the excess water.
B. Anterior Lobe
GH or Growth Hormone (Somatotropin) Stimulates growth of the skeleton and the body as a whole.
It is normally active only during the years old child hood and
adolescence.
TSH or Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Stimulates thyroid gland to secrete thyroxin, the hormone
(Protein) that controls the body’s metabolic rate.
ACTH or Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Stimulates the cortex of the adrenal gland to release some of
its hormones into the bloodstream.
LTH Lactogenic Hormone Hormone that regulates the development of mammary glands
(PRL or Prolactin) of a pregnant woman and stimulates the secretion of milk in
the mother.
FSH or Follicle-stimulating Hormone Act upon the testes and ovaries. In the females, FSH
promotes the development of a follicle which contains the
maturing egg cells. In the males, it stimulates the production
of sperms in the testes.
LH or Luteinizing Hormone Initiates ovulation. In the presence of LH, a follicle in an ovary
changes into corpus luteum after the egg has been released.
The corpus luteum then secretes a hormone necessary for
the attachment of an embryo within its mother’s womb.
C. Central Midlobe
MSH or Melanocyte-stimulating Increase the production of the skin pigment, melanin. If they
Hormone are present in large numbers in the skin, they are responsible
for moles, freckles, and birthmarks.
2. HYPOTHALAMUS
- Portion of the brain that contains a number of small nuclei with a variety of functions. One of the most
important functions of the hypothalamus is to link the nervous system to the endocrine system via the
pituitary gland (hypophysis).
- Section of the brain responsible for hormone production. The hormones produced by this area of the brain
govern body temperature, thirst, hunger, sleep, circadian rhythm, moods, sex drive, and the release of
other hormones in the body.

Hormones Produced and Their Functions

Hormone Function
Oxytocin and Vasopressin Stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection
Releasing and Inhibiting Hormones Control the secretion of hormones of anterior pituitary

3. PINEAL GLAND
- A small, round structure lying on the dorsal part of the brain stem.

Hormone Produced and its Function

Hormone Function
Malatonin Skin pigmentation and Biorhythm (such as sleeping and
breeding)

4. THYROID GLAND
- Located in the neck region, consists of the two lobes on either side of the trachea which are connected by
a band of tissue passing in front of the trachea.

Hormones Produced and their Functions

Hormone Function
Thyroxin or Thyroxine Stimulates and maintains metabolism necessary for normal
development and growth
Calcitonin Involved in the maintenance of calcium level in the blood

5. PARATHYROID GLAND
- Four pea-sized masses that are usually embedded in the thyroid tissues.

Hormone Produced and its Functions

Hormone Function
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) or Stimulates the release of calcium; Resorbs bone; and raises
Parathormone calcium level

6. THYMUS
- Gland lies in the upper part of the chest, covering the lower end of the trachea.

Hormone Produced and its Function

Hormone Function
Thymosin Activate immune response of T-cells in the lymphatic system
(i.e., controls formation of antibodies)

7. ADRENAL GLANDS
- Located above each kidney. The adrenal glands are composed of two portions: adrenal cortex-a yellowish
outer section and adrenal medulla-a dark, reddish-brown central core.

Hormones Produced and Their Functions

Hormone
A. Adrenal Cortex
Glucocorticoids: cortisol, corticosterone Increase blood sugar
and cortisone (steriods)
Mineralcorticoids: chiefly aldosterone
Small amounts of androgens
Function
Cortisone maintains carbohydrate, fat and protein
metabolism, and promote health of connective tissues.
Promote reabsorption of Na+ and excretion of K+ in the
kidneys.
Cortin regulates sodium, calcium and water balance in the
blood.
Influence development of secondary sex characteristics; the
major source of these hormones in females.
 B. Adrenal Medulla
Epinephrine (or adrenaline) and Both constrict blood vessels, thereby increasing blood
norepinrphrine (or noradrenaline) pressure
Epinephrine initiates the physiological changes in the ‘fight or
flight’ response.

8. PANCREAS
- Compound gland containing both exocrine and endocrine tissues. The exocrine portion secretes digestive
enzymes. The endocrine portion consists of clusters of cells, called the Islets of Langerhans.

Hormones Produced and Their Functions

Hormone
Insulin (by beta cells)
Glucagon (by alpha cells)
Somatostatin (by delta cells)
Function
Controls transformation of blood glucose into liver glycogen,
hence lowers the blood glucose level.
Controls transformation of liver glycogen into blood glucose,
hence raises the blood glucose level.
Inhibits secretion of both insulin and glucagon.

9. GONADS
- Sex glands include the testes of the male and the ovaries of the female.

Hormones Produced and Their Functions

Hormone Function
A. Testes
Androgens Control sperm formation (spermatogenesis) as well as
development and maintenance of male secondary sex
characteristics.
B. Ovaries
Estrogens Promotes menstration; control development and
maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics
Progesterone Stimulate growth of uterine lining

References:
www.livescience.com/26496-endocrine-system.html
Biology: The Science of Life for Non-Science Majors, pp. 116-121, by Sister Marie Denise Agravante, SPC et al.
Fundamentals of Biology, pp. 170-176, by Minda J. Formacion, PhD et al.
Functional Biology Modular Approach, pp. 316-321, by Lilian M. Rabago, PhD et al.

Prepared by:

ALVEN M. REY, LPT

Science Teacher