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Some tables follow as examples to indicate the effect of some of the hormones
produced by the body and of their over- or under-production. After these is a longer
list (source Wikipedia) of hormones produced within the endocrine system. The key
learning objective here is to gain a simple conceptual understanding of hormones in
the human endocrine system. Once you understand the concept, you can research
further any possible link between hormonal imbalance and health conditions that your
clients might have. After the list are diagrams which show the location of the major
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endocrine glands and diagrams showing the hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the
head.
Examples of hormones
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to the muscles. It causes constriction of the blood arteries in the skin so that more
blood flows to the muscles. It influences the conversion of stored glycogen to glucose
to fuel cell activity. It causes an increase in the metabolic rate so that more energy can
be released in the cellular respiration process.
ENDOCRINE GLAND : Testes (testicles) in males
Hormone produced : Testosterone
Trigger for the secretion of hormone : Reception of trigger hormone from pituitary
gland
Effects of hormone secretion : It initiates and controls the development of the male
sex organs and secondary male sexual characteristics such as deepening of the voice
and the growth of facial hair.
Effects of insufficient hormone secretion : The full male sexual characteristics do
not develop fully.
Effects of excessive hormone secretion : Excessive masculinity.
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gland and therefore upon basic body metabolic processes. Depression is sometimes
linked to insufficient levels of thyrotropin.
Effects of excessive hormone secretion : Over stimulation of the thyroid gland with
the body metabolic processes working in ‘overdrive’ and not at a rate that is matched
to body requirements. Resulting symptoms can include low weight combined with a
ravenous appetite, hyperactivity, irritability, tiredness and apathy, and problems with
body temperature and sensitivity to heat.
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The endocrine system and the hormones secreted
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The Skin produces
o Vitamin D3 (calciferol)
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The Testes
o Androgens (chiefly testosterone)
o Estradiol
o Inhibin
The Ovaries
o Progesterone
o Androstenedione
o Estrogens (mainly estradiol)
o Inhibin
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The Exocrine System
The Exocrine system is another group of body glands and organs that release
hormones. One of the differences with the endocrine system is that the hormones are
not released directly into the blood stream. The primary exocrine system organs are
the salivary glands, stomach, liver, pancreas, mammary glands and sweat glands.
Within the Exocrine system, serous cells secrete enzymes. We look at the importance
of enzymes as catalysts for the chemical reactions that take place within the body later
in this Chapter.
Mucous cells secrete mucus. Mucus performs different functions depending upon
where it is found in the body. In the respiratory tract, mucus helps to trap fine dust and
other particles. In the digestive tract, it can act as lubricant for food passing over
membrane surfaces such as going down the throat.
Some parts of the body such as the salivary glands secrete both enzymes and mucus.
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The Skin (Integumentary System)
The skin is the largest organ in the body.
Whilst the skeletal structure provides the support framework for the physical
body, the skin holds all the body organs and tissues within the physical form.
The skin has a number of other functions including giving some physical
protection to body tissue, helping to regulate the temperature of the body (by
releasing heat, sweating, shivering, holding the body hair, and by being linked
to the body metabolism), excretion of waste products (water, salts, various
organic compounds), the synthesis of Vitamin D (from exposure to sunlight),
and providing the sensory mechanisms of feeling by touch. The skin provides
a physical barrier to body fluids being lost from the physical body.
The primary cellular structure of the skin is the dermis. New cells are
produced at the bottom of the dermis. Older cells move towards the outer
surface of the skin where they die. The epidermis is a layer of dead cells which
are released physically from the body their useful life.
The epidermis contains a pigment called melanin which protects the DNA in
the skin cells from ultra-violet radiation. Excessive exposure to sunlight can
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overpower the melanin and affect the DNA in skin cells, leading to skin
cancer.
The blood system brings nutrients to the cells in the dermis and takes away
nutritional waste products.
The sweat glands are found within the dermis. They help to release waste
products into the sweat and are part of the body heat regulation process. The
evaporation of sweat released to the surface of the skin has the effect of
cooling the body.
The skin contains the hair follicles, from which hair grows.
The skin contains nerve endings that can react to heat and cold, and which can
feel physical pressure and damage to tissue.
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