Name: Padlan, Syra May M.

Date: December 18, 2022

Program/Year/Section: BSN 1C

ASSIGNMENT ON TOPIC 6
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Answer the following questions briefly. Don’t forget to cite your reference

1. Explain how the hypothalamus of the brain controls the endocrine system.
The hypothalamus is the main link between the nervous system and the endocrine system
through the pituitary gland. The release of each hormone of the pituitary gland is controlled by
the releasing hormones and inhibiting hormones produced by the hypothalamus. It liberates
these regulatory hormones into the blood of the portal circulation, which connects the blood
supply of the hypothalamus with that of the anterior pituitary.

2. Explain how a negative feedback mechanism functions in maintaining hormonal levels

in the body. You may also give an example of a situation wherein negative feedback
works.
Negative feedback mechanisms are the chief means of regulating blood levels of nearly all
hormones. In such systems, some internal or external stimulus triggers hormone secretion;
then, a rising level of the hormone inhibits further hormone release. As a result, blood levels of
many hormones vary within a very narrow range.

3. Name the three chemical categories for classifying hormones and give some examples.
a. Amino acid-based molecules include proteins, peptides, and amines.
- Oxytocin, Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), Growth Hormone (GH), Prolactin (PRL), Follicle
Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Thyroid-stimulating Hormone
(TSH), Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Melatonin, Thyroxine and
Triiodothyronine, Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Thymosin, Epinephrine and
norepinephrine, Insulin, Glucagon
b. Steroid Hormones are made from cholesterol.
- Glucocorticoids, Mineralocorticoids, Androgen, Estrogen, Progesterone
c. Prostaglandins are made from highly active lipids released from nearly all cell membranes
- Prostaglandin (PGs)
-
4. Discuss the 3 ways in which endocrine glands are stimulated to secrete their
hormones.
a. Hormonal Stimuli are the most common stimuli in which endocrine organs are prodded into
action by other hormones.
b. Humoral Stimuli are stimuli that cause the release of hormones by changing blood levels of
certain ions and nutrients.
c. In Neural Stimuli, nerve fibers stimulate hormone release which endocrine cells respond to.
5. What are the 2 important differences between endocrine and exocrine glands?
Endocrine Glands lose their ducts and their secretion is directly into the blood vessels.
Exocrine Glands retain their ducts and their secretions exit through the ducts to the epithelial
surface.

6. Why is iodine important for proper thyroid gland function?

Iodine is important for proper thyroid gland function because, without iodine, functional
thyroid hormones cannot be made. This causes the thyroid gland to enlarge (development
of goiter) because the protein is nonfunctional without iodine.

7. In a tabular form, identify the 9 major endocrine glands and some of their hormones
following the format below.
Gland
Hypothalamus
Parathyroid Gland
• Posterior Lobe
Hormone Action
Hormones released by the posterior pituitary; Releasing and inhibiting
hormones that regulate the anterior pituitary
▪ Oxytocin Stimulates contraction of the uterus
and the milk “let-down” reflex
▪ Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Promotes retention of water by
kidneys

• Anterior Lobe ▪ Growth Hormone (GH) Stimulates growth (bones, muscles)

and metabolism

▪ Prolactin (PRL) Stimulates milk production

▪ Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Stimulates production of ova and

(FSH sperm

▪ Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Stimulates ovaries and testes

▪ Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Stimulates thyroid gland

(TSH)
▪ Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Stimulates adrenal cortex to secrete
(ACTH) glucocorticoids
Pineal Gland Melatonin Involved in biological rhythms (daily
and seasonal)
Thyroid Gland ▪ Thyroxine (T4) and Stimulates metabolism
triiodothyronine (T3)

▪ Calcitonin Reduced blood calcium ion level

Parathyroid Gland Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Raises blood calcium ion level
Thymus Thymosin “Programs” T-Lymphocytes
 Adrenal Glands
• Adrenal Medulla ▪ Epinephrine and Raises blood glucose level;
norepinephrine increases rate of metabolism;
constricts certain blood vessels

• Adrenal Cortex ▪ Glucocorticoids Increase blood glucose level

▪ Mineralocorticoids Promote reabsorption of Na+

(Sodium) and excretion of K+
(Potassium) in kidneys

▪ Androgens and estrogens

Pancreas ▪ Insulin Reduces blood glucose level

▪ Glucagon Raises blood glucose level

Gonads
• Testes ▪ Androgen Support sperm formation;
development and maintenance of
male secondary sex characteristics

• Ovaries ▪ Estrogen Stimulate uterine lining growth;

development and maintenance of
female secondary sex
characteristics

▪ Progesterone Promotes growth of uterine lining

Reference

Marieb, E. N., & Keller, S. M. (2017). Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th ed.).
Pearson.