The The Endocrine SystemEndocrine System

FunctionFunction

To release hormones to control tissues throughout the body◦The control is nonspecific, slow (relative to

nervous system control), and can be long lasting.

Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues

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 TissuesGlands and Tissues

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 TissuesGlands and Tissues

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 TissuesGlands and Tissues

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 TissuesGlands and Tissues

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 TissuesGlands and Tissues

Parathyroid glands◦Located in throat, 2 on each side of the thyroid

gland◦Releases parathyroid hormone

Increase calcium levels in body fluids

Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues

Pineal gland◦Located in brain◦Releases melatonin

Slows maturation of sex cells Antioxidant Sets circadian (day-night) rhythms

Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues

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 TissuesGlands and Tissues

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 TissuesGlands and Tissues

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 TissuesGlands and Tissues

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 TissuesGlands and Tissues

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)