Human Anatomy and Physiology

Chapter 6

Endocrine System
Chapter 6

Endocrine System
Introduction

The endocrine system is composed of endocrine glands and specialized endocrine cells located
throughout the body. Endocrine glands and cells secrete minute amounts of chemical messengers
called hormones into the blood stream, rather than into a duct. Hormones then travel through the
general blood circulation to target tissues. The target tissues are specific sites where hormones
produce a particular response of the target tissues.

Specific Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Explain the relationship between a hormone and its receptor.

2. Describe selected hormones in the body and its functions.

Duration

Chapter 6: Endocrine System = 5 hours

(3 hours discussion; 2 hours
assessment)
Lesson Proper

Major Endocrine Glands and their Location

• Derived from the Greek words endo, meaning within and krino, meaning to secrete.
• Composed of endocrine glands and specialized endocrine cells located throughout the
body.
• Secretes chemical messengers called hormones into the bloodstream.
• Hormones travel through blood circulation to target tissues.

Hormones
A hormone is a chemical transmitter. It is released in small amounts from glands and is transported
in the bloodstream to target organs or other cells. Hormones are chemical messengers, transferring
information and instructions from one set of cells to another.

A. Lipid Soluble Hormones

1. Steroid hormones
2. Thyroid hormones
3. Fatty acid derivative hormones
• Small molecules and are insoluble in water based fluids.
• They travel in the bloodstream and attach to binding proteins.
• Binding proteins support and protect hormones.
• Lipid soluble hormones are degraded slowly and are not rapidly eliminated from the
circulation.
B. Water Soluble Hormones
1. Protein hormones
2. Peptide hormones
3. Amino acid derivatives
 • Can dissolve in blood, many circulate as free hormones.
• Which means they can be delivered to their target tissue without attaching to a
binding protein.
• Many water-soluble hormones are quite large, they tend to diffuse from the blood into
tissues more slowly.

Hormone A Hormone B

Hormones only work on certain cells, called target cells. The target cells have special receptors
that “recognize” the hormones and allow them to influence that cell. The fit like lock and key.

Functions of the Endocrine System

1. Regulates Metabolism.
2. Control of food intake and digestion.
3. Influences tissue development.
4. Ion regulation.
5. Water balance.
6. Heart rate and blood pressure regulation.
7. Controls blood glucose.
8. Control of reproductive functions.
9. Uterine contraction and milk release.
10. Immune system regulation.

What is the Endocrine System?

The primary endocrine glands are the pituitary (the master gland), pineal, thymus, thyroid,
parathyroid, islets of Langerhans, adrenals, ovaries in the female and testes in the male.
Hypothalamus
• Controls the pituitary gland.
• Located inferior of the thalamus.
• Links NS to endocrine system.

Secretions from the anterior pituitary gland

1. Growth Hormone (GH): Targets most tissues. Essential for the growth and development
of bones, muscles, and other organs. It also enhances protein synthesis, increases blood
glucose levels, and promotes fat destruction.
2. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Targets thyroid gland. Essential for the growth
and development of the thyroid gland. (Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine)
3. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Targets the adrenal cortex. Increases secretion
of cortisol which increases skin pigmentation at high concentrations.
4. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH): Targets melanocytes in the skin. Increases
melanin production in melanocytes to make the skin darker in color.
5. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): is a gonadotropic hormone stimulating the development of
corpus luteum in the female ovarian follicles and the production of testosterone in males.
The yellow corpus luteum remains after ovulation; it produces estrogen and progesterone.
6. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): is a gonadotropic hormone. It stimulates the
growth ovarian follicles in the female and the production of sperm in the male.
7. Prolactin (PRL): stimulates the development and growth of the mammary glands and
milk production during pregnancy.

Secretions from the posterior pituitary gland

1. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Targets the kidneys. Conserves water and constricts
blood vessels. Hyposecretion of this hormone can result in diabetes insipidus.
 2. Oxytocin: Targets uterus and mammary gland. Stimulates the uterus to contract during
labor, delivery, and parturition. A synthetic version of this hormone, used to induce labor,
is called Pitocin. It also stimulates the mammary glands to release milk.

Secretions from the Pineal gland

1. Melatonin: targets hypothalamus, among others. Communicates information about
environmental lighting to various parts of the body. Has effect on sleep/awake cycles and
other biological events connected to them, such as a lower production of gastric secretions
at night.
2. Serotonin: a neurotransmitter that regulates intestinal movements and affects appetite,
mood, sleep, anger, and metabolism.

Secretions from the Thyroid Gland

Thyroid hormones target most cells of the body. The thyroid gland plays a vital role in metabolism
and regulates the body’s metabolic processes.
1. Calcitonin: Targets bones. Decreases rate of bone breakdown; maintains a homeostasis
of calcium in the blood plasma.
2. Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3): essential to BMR – basal metabolic rate (the
rate at which a person’s body burns calories while at rest); influences physical/mental
development and growth.

Hyposecretion and Hypersecretion of T3 and T4.

Cretinism (underactivity of the thyroid gland at birth). Results in growth retardation,
developmental delay, and other abnormal features. Cretinism can be due to deficiency of iodine in
the mother's diet during pregnancy.
Hashimoto Disease is an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is gradually destroyed.
Early on there may be no symptoms. Over time the thyroid may enlarge, forming a painless goiter.
Grave’s disease, the immune system makes antibodies that cause the thyroid to make more thyroid
hormone than the body needs. Hyperthyroidism causes your metabolism to speed up.

Secretions from the Parathyroid gland

Targets bone and kidneys. The two pairs of parathyroid glands are
located on the dorsal or back side of the thyroid gland. They
secrete parathyroid (PTH) which plays a role in the metabolism
of phosphorus.

Secretions of the Thymus

The thymus gland has two lobes and is part of the lymphatic system. It is a ductless gland and
secretes thymosin. This is necessary for the Thymus’ normal production of T cells for the immune
system.
Secretions from the Pancreas
1. Insulin: Targets liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Increases uptake and use of
glucagon and amino acids.
2. Glucagon: Targets mostly liver. Increases breakdown of glycogen and release of glucose
into the circulatory system.
3. Secretions from the Islets of Langerhans located in the Pancreas
a. Alpha cells facilitate the breakdown of glycogen to glucose. This elevates the blood
sugar.
b. Beta cells secrete the hormone insulin, which is essential for the maintenance of
normal blood sugar levels. Inadequate levels result in diabetes mellitus.
c. Delta cells suppress the release of glucagon and insulin.

Secretions from the Adrenal : The triangular-shaped adrenal glands are located on the top of
each kidney. The inside is called the medulla and the outside layer is called the cortex.
Adrenal Medulla
1. Epinephrine. Targets heart, blood vessels and liver. Also called adrenalin. Causes
Adrenalin rush. It elevates systolic blood pressure, increases heart rate and cardiac output,
speeds up the release of glucose from the liver. Gives a spurt of energy, dilates the bronchial
tubes, relaxes airways, and dilates the pupils to see more clearly. It is often used to
counteract an allergic reaction.
2. Norepinephrine, like epinephrine, is released when the body is under stress. It creates
the underlying influence in the fight or flight response. As a drug, however, it actually
triggers a drop in heart rate.
3. Dopamine is used to treat shock. It dilates the arteries, elevates systolic blood pressure,
increases cardiac output, and increases urinary output.
Adrenal Cortex
1. Cortisol: Targets the liver, fat, skeletal muscles, and immune tissues. Regulates
carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism; has an anti-inflammatory effect; helps the body
cope during times of stress.
2. Corticosterone: like cortisol, it is a steroid; influences potassium and sodium metabolism
3. Aldosterone: Targets kidneys. Essential in regulating electrolyte and water balance by
promoting sodium and chloride retention and potassium excretion.
4. Adrenal androgens: Targets most tissues. Insignificant in males. Increases female sexual
drive, growth of pubic and axillary hair.

Secretions of the Testes

1. Testosterone Hormone. Targets most tissues. Aids in sperm production, maintenance of
functional reproductive organs, secondary sex characteristics and sexual behavior.
Testosterone is responsible for the erection of the penis.
Secretions of the Ovaries
2. Estrogen Hormones prepare the uterus for pregnancy, promote the development of
mammary glands, play a role in sex drive, and develop secondary sex characteristics in the
female.
Progesterone Hormone is essential for the growth, development, and maintenance of female sex
organs.

References/Additional Resources/Readings

Marieb, E. N. and Hoen, K. (2007). Human anatomy and physiology. 7th Edition. Pearson
Benjamin Cummings

https://slidetodoc.com/endocrine-system-what-is-the-endocrine-system-the/
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/cebu-normal-university/bachelor-of-science-in-
nursing/endocrine-system-notes/5888528
https://mkau.edu.et/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/77-Endocrine-system.pdf
https://www.southamptonschools.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=1541=766
8=endocrine.pdf
https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/177-Outline-for-Notes.doc