The Endocrine System

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Introduction to the Endocrine System

The endocrine system refers to the hormone system of the body. Hormones are
chemicals produced by living cells in very very small amounts. They are
transported around the body in the blood. Hormones regulate and co-ordinate
different organs in the body.

Click on the picture for a large detailed image of the endocrine system.

Hormones are classified into two groups

Peptides

• Made of proteins
• Fast acting
• Short – lived
• E.g. Insulin and ADH

2. Steroids

• Slow acting
• Long lasting
• Usually end in “one”
• E.g. Testosterone and Progesterone.

Hormones control themselves by a means of feedback control.

Feedback control basically means that when the hormone is in large supply, the
gland stops making it.

When the level of hormone is low, the gland secretes the hormone until the level
rises again.

The Structure of the Endocrine system

The endocrine system is made up with a series of glands located around the
body. These glands include:

Pituitary Gland
• Thyroid Glands
• Parathyroid Glands
• Thymus
• Pancreas
• Adrenal Glands
• Gonads

Pituitary Glands
The Pituitary gland is located in the hypothalamus (front of the brain) and is the
most important part of the endocrine system. The Pituitary gland has two parts,
the anterior and posterior. .

The Anterior part produces two hormones, ADH and Oxytocin.

ADH is involved in water level control in the blood.

Oxytocin controls lactation and is released from the pituitary when an
animal is suckled.

The Posterior part of the Pituitary produces a number of important hormones.

These include FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), LH (Luteinizing
Hormone), Prolactin and Growth Hormones.

The Pituitary also releases hormones which control the Adrenal and Thyroid
glands.

Thyroid Glands The thyroid glands are found on the trachea. The main
hormone produced is called thyroxin. This hormone controls the growth and
development of animals. Iodine is required for its production.

Lack of thyroxin causes deformation and retardation. The glands swell if not
enough hormone is produced – this is called goitre in humans.

Parathyroid Glands
These are located on either side of the thyroid. They produce two hormones:
Parathormone and Calcitonin. These hormones control the level of calcium,
magnesium and phosphate in the body.
 Thymus
A very small gland located on the neck. Has some involvement in the production
of lymphocytes, which are involved in immune response.

Pancreas
The Pancreas produces insulin.

It is produced in the pancreas in the Islets of Langerhans. Insulin is required for

the intake of glucose in cells and prevents the excess breakdown of glycogen.
.

This is called diabetes mellitus.

This can cause coma because the brain needs glucose. Synthetic Insulin is now
available for diabetics.

It must be injected because if it was eaten it would be digested.

Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are found near the kidney. They produce over fifty
different hormones which are vital for life. Hydrocortisone is produced in the
adrenal glands and is required to control blood pressure and controls the loss of
blood. Adrenalin is secreted from the adrenal glands during stress. It redirects
blood to the head and increases the heartbeat. It makes the individual more
acute to their surroundings. It is usually secreted when frightened. Another
hormone called non-adrenalin, turns off the effects of adrenalin.
Gonads
The gonads are the testes and ovaries. The hormones produced are involved
in the reproductive systems of the animal. These include testosterone,
oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones will be looked at in more detail
in Animal Reproduction.