ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM.

Endocrine System
- a collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function,
sexual function, reproduction, sleep and mood.

Hypothalamus
> connects the endocrine system with the nervous system. It’s main job is to tell the pituitary gland to start/stop
making hormones.

Pituitary Gland
> master gland
>uses information it gets from the brain to tell other glands in the body what to do.
> makes many hormones including growth hormone.
- Prolactin - breastfeeding
- Luteinizing hormone - manages estrogen and testosterone.

Pineal Gland
> makes melatonin that helps body get ready to sleep.

Thyroid Gland
> Controls metabolism.

Parathyroid
> set of four small glands behind the thyroid.
> plays a role in bone health.
> gland that controls calcium and phosphorus level.

Thymus
>makes white blood cells called T-lymphocytes that fight off infection.

Adrenal Gland
> epinephrine - fight or flight hormone
>Corticosteriods - affects metabolism and sexual function

Pancreas
> in the digestive system and endocrine system
>makes digestive enzyme break down food.
> makes insulin and glucagon.

Ovaries
> estrogen and progesterone
- develops breast at puberty, regulate menstrual cycle, support pregnancy.

Testes
>makes testosterone (grow facial & body hair at puberty)
> tells penis to grow larger and plays a role in making sperm.