ENDOCRINE SYSTEM The system of glands each secretes a type of hormone directly into the bloodstream to regulate the

he body A number of glands signal each other in sequence are usually referred to as an axis Contrast to the exocrine system, which secretes its chemicals using ducts Information signal system Slow to initiate Prolonged in response Hormones released from endocrine tissue into the bloodstream where they travel to target tissue and generate a response regulate human functions (metabolism, growth, etc.) Endocrinology Features: absence of ducts, vascularity, intracellular vacuoles/granules Many organs that are part of other body systems Kidney secretes endocrine hormones Hypothalamus Collection of specialized cells that is located in the lower central part of the brain Main link between the endocrine and nervous systems Nerve cells here control pituitary gland by producing chemicals that stimulate/suppress hormone secretions from the pituitary Pituitary Located at the base of the brain just beneath the hypothalamus Most important gland of the pituitary system Makes hormones that control several other endocrine glands Influenced by factors such as emotions and changes in the seasons Secretes endorphins (chemicals that act on the nervous system) and reduce feelings of pain) Secretes hormones that signal the reproductive organs to make sex hormones. Controls ovulation and the menstrual cycle in women Two parts: anterior and posterior Anterior Growth hormone stimulates the growth of bone and other body tissues and plays a role and handling of nutrients and minerals Prolactin activates milk production in women who are breastfeeding Thyrotropin stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones Corticotropin stimulates the adrenal gland to produce certain hormones Posterior Antidiuretic hormone helps control the balance of water in the

body Oxytocin triggers the contractions of the uterus in a woman having a baby Thyroid Located in the front part of the lower neck Shaped like a bow tie or butterfly Produces Thyroxine and triiodothyronine control the rate at which cells burn fuels from food to produce energy Production and release of hormones is controlled by thyrotropin, which is secreted by the pituitary gland More thyroid hormone there is in a person's body, the faster chemical reactions occur in the body Important because they help kids' and teens' bones grow and develop and play a role in the development of the brain and nervous system in kids Parathyroids Four tiny glands that function together Release parathyroid hormone regulates the level of calcium in the blood with the help of calcitonin Adrenal Glands 2 triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney Made up of 2 parts: Adrenal cortex outer part Creates hormone corticosteroids, regulate: Bodys metabolism Balance of salt & water in body Immune system Sexual function Adrenal medulla inner part Creates hormone catecholamine (ex. adrenaline); helps the body cope w/ physical & emotional stress by increasing the heart rate & blood pressure Pineal Located in the middle of the brain Secretes melatonin a hormone that may help regulate when you sleep at night and when you wake in the morning Reproductive Glands Gonads are the main source of sex hormones Male gonads testes located in the scrotum Secrete hormones called androgens testosterone Puberty timing

Girl gonads ovaries located in pelvis Produce eggs Secrete estrogen (puberty) and progesterone Both have to do with menstrual cycle and pregnancy

Pancreas Hormone production, digestion Elongated organ located toward back of abdomen behind stomach Exocrine pancreas secretes digestive enzymes Endocrine pancreas secretes hormones insulin & glucagon They regulate the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood What Does the Endocrine System Do? Once a hormone is secreted, it travels from the endocrine gland that produced it blood stream cells designed to receive the messages (target cells) On the way, special proteins act as carriers that control the amount of hormone that is available for the cells to use Target cells have receptors that latch onto only specific hormones and vice versa When hormone levels reach a certain normal amount, the endocrine system helps the body to keep that level of hormone in the blood Things That Can Go Wrong With the Endocrine System Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands don't produce enough corticosteroids. Weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, etc. treat with medications to replace corticosteroid hormones Type 1 diabetes when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin autoimmune disorder in kids/teens to control blood sugar levels and reduce risk of developing diabetes problems insulin injections Type 2 diabetes body can't respond to insulin normally overweight insulin injections Growth hormone problems too much growth hormone in kids/teens who are still growing will make their bones and other body parts grow excessively (giantism) caused by a pituitary tumor can be treated by removing a turtle Opposite with not enough growth hormone Hyperthyroidism levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are very low slows body processes and may lead to fatigue, a slow heart rate, etc. - may grow more slowly medication Precocious puberty if the pituitary glands release hormones that stimulate the gonads to produce sex hormones too early medication