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Endocrine glands
are activated by
other hormones
Introduction:
The endocrine system includes the organs of
the body that secrete hormones directly into
body fluids such as blood
Regulates chemical reaction in cells and
therefore control functions of the organs,
tissues, and other cells
Second messenger system of the body
Hormones are…
Chemical messengers
Secreted by endocrine glands or tissues into
blood
Travel everywhere blood goes
Affect only target cells, cells with receptors
May affect very distant organs or cells
Gonadotropic Hormones
They regulate hormonal activity of the
gonads
Thyroid Hormone
Major metabolic hormone
Composed of 2 active iodine-containing hormones
Thyroxine (T4) – secreted by thyroid fossicles
Triodothyronine (T3) – conversion of T4 at
target tissues
Adrenal Glands
2 Glands:
Calcitonin
Cortex – outer glandular region in three layers
Medulla – inner neural tissue region
Sits on top of the kidneys
Sex Hormones
Produced in the inner layer of the adrenal cortex
Androgens – male
Estrogen – female
Pineal Gland
Found on the third ventricle of the brain
Secretes melatonin
Helps establish the body’s wake and sleep
cycle
May have other as-yet-unsubstantiated
functions
Pancreatic Islets
Thymus
Located posterior to the sternum
Largest in infants and children
Produces THYMOSIN
Matures some types of white blood cells Developmental Aspects of the Endocrine System
Important in developing immune system
Most endocrine organs operate smoothly until
Hormones of the Ovaries old age
Menopause – brought about by lack of
ESTROGENS efficiency in the ovaries
- Stimulates the development of secondary female Problems with reduced estrogen are common
characteristics Growth hormone declines with age
- Matures female reproductive organs Many endocrine glands decrease output with age
- Helps prepare the uterus to receive a fertilized
egg
- Helps maintain pregnancy
- Prepares the breasts to produce milk
PROGESTERONE
- Acts with estrogen to bring about the menstrual
cycle
- Helps in the implantation of an embryo in the
uterus