Glands and Hormones
What makes the Endocrine system unique is that it secretes hormones…
These hormones are chemical messengers that are carried through the bloodstream to: Stimulate other glands Regulate growth,
development, metabolism, sex processes
Hormones work by finding that specific receptor on a specific cell
to do their job…
Major Glands of the Endocrine System Pituitary – also referred to as the “master gland” as it
regulates all other endocrine glands
Thyroid –responsible for metabolism and growth, how your body uses oxygen and nutrients
Parathyroid – regulate calcium and phosphorus in the body
Adrenal – secrete adrenaline in emergency or stressful situations
Pancreas – responsible for secreting insulin to regulate blood sugar levels in the bloodstream
Ovaries – female gonad, responsible for ovum production, estrogen secretion and progesterone release
Testes - male gonad, responsible for sperm production and testosterone secretion
Master gland of bodyLocated in the depression of sphenoid boneProduces many hormones that affect other glands Thyroid stimulating hormone Somatotropin- growth hormone Lutenizing (LH)- causes ovulation ICSH- causes testes to secrete testosterone Melanocyte stimulating- distribution of melanin in
skin ADH- antidiuretic hormone
Giantism- would be oversecretion of somatotropin before puberty
Dwarfism- would be undersecretion of somatotropin. Cause: tumor, injury, infection, genetics
Diabetes insipidus- decreased ADH
Thyroid- produces hormones that control metabolism and calcium in blood.
Thyroid gland must have any source of iodine
Goiter- not enough iodine
Hyperthyroidism Hypothyroidism
Adrenal Glands Located just above
the kidney (dunce hats)
Secretes many hormones such as:
Epinephrine Norepinephrine
Many steroid hormones, including estrogen and androgens
Pancreas- Secretes
pancreatic juices into the small intestines
Secretes insulin, a hormone that transports glucose into cells.
Secretes glucagon- increases glucose in bloodstream
Diabetes Mellitus
Cause – malfunction of gland, decreased secretion of insulin
Symptoms Excessive thirst, excessive urination,
hyperglycemia, slow healing of skin infections Affects 21 million in US: 7% of population Estimated 1/3 of people who have diabetes
don’t know it 225,000 die each year 132 billion/year- 10% of our health care
spending