The Endocrine System

1. The Endocrine System

2. To release hormones to control tissues throughout the body • The control is nonspecific, slow (relative to nervous system control), and can be long lasting. Function

3. Adrenal Glands • Located on superior aspect of kidneys • Divided into adrenal cortex and medulla • Adrenal cortex • Releases aldosterone • Stimulates sodium ion conservation and the elimination of potassium ions • Releases cortisol, hydrocortisone, corticosterone • release amino acids from muscle and lipids from adipose • Promote formation of glucose and glycogen • Promotes peripheral use of lipids • Has anti-inflammatory effects • Releases androgens • Encourages bone growth, muscle growth, and blood formation in children and women. Glands and Tissues

4. Adrenal Glands (con’t) • Medulla • Releases epinephrine, norepinephrine • Increases cardiac activity, blood pressure, glycogen breakdown, blood glucose levels. • Release lipids from adipose tissue. Glands and Tissues

5. Male and female gonads • Located in the pelvic region • Female gonads (ovaries) release Estrogens • Support the maturation of egg, secondary female sex characteristics, and associated behaviors • Male gonads (testes) release Androgens (Testosterone) • Support maturation of sperm, protein synthesis in skeletal muscle, secondary sex characteristics, and associated behaviors Glands and Tissues

6. Hypothalamus • Located in the brain • Releases antidiuretic hormone • Decreases amount of water lost in the kidneys • Causes vasoconstriction • Releases oxytocin • Stimulates muscles in walls of uterus, promoting labor and delivery. Glands and Tissues

7. Pancreas (pancreatic islets) • Located on the left side of the abdominal cavity, inferior to the stomach • Releases glucagon • Stimulates glucose production (increase blood glucose levels) • Breakdown triglycerides in adipose tissue and released into bloodstream. • Releases insulin • Accelerates glucose uptake and utilization from the blood (lowers blood glucose levels) Glands and Tissues

8. Parathyroid glands • Located in throat, 2 on each side of the thyroid gland • Releases parathyroid hormone • Increase calcium levels in body fluids Glands and Tissues

9. Pineal gland • Located in brain • Releases melatonin • Slows maturation of sex cells • Antioxidant • Sets circadian (day-night) rhythms Glands and Tissues

10. Pituitary gland • Located in brain • Releases thyroid stimulating hormone • Triggers the release of thyroid hormones • Releases adrenocorticotropic hormone • Stimulates the release of steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex • Releases follicle stimulating hormone • In females, it promotes follicle development • Precursor to the egg • In males, it promotes sperm differentiation Glands and Tissues

11. Pituitary gland (con’t) • Releases lutenizing hormone • Induces ovulation • Releases prolactin • Stimulates mammary gland development • Releases growth hormone • Stimulates cell growth and replication • Releases melanocyte-stimulating hormone • Stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin Glands and Tissues

12. Pituitary gland (con’t) • Releases antidiuretic hormone • Decreases amount of water lost in the kidneys • Causes vasoconstriction • Releases oxytocin • Stimulates muscles in walls of uterus, promoting labor and delivery. Glands and Tissues

13. Thymus • Located between lungs on the trachea, where the trachea splits into the bronchii • Releases thymosins • Promotes the development of lymphocytes (white blood cells responsible for immunity) Glands and Tissues

14. Thyroid Gland • Located on trachea, superior to the thymus • Releases thyroxine • Increases energy utilization, oxygen consumption, growth and development (increases metabolism) • Releases calcitonin • Decreases calcium levels in body fluids (blood) Glands and Tissues