PHYSIOLOGY OF

THE ENDOCRINE
SYSTEM
 WHAT IS IT?

The Endocrine System is a group of glands

in our body that secrete hormones that
affect how we function and how we
develop.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
 WHAT IS THE REGULATORY FUNCTION OF
THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM?

The regulatory function of the endocrine system is

done by the Endocrine Hormones. Secreted into the
bloodstream and carried through the circulation, the
endocrine hormones target specific population of
cells enabling a particular function of the body, the
development or growth of it, or giving of mood
swings.
 HOW ARE HORMONES DETERMINED?

· Targeted Effect
Regulates the function of certain cells, tissues
and organs
· Specific Effect
Causes changes in the body.
· High Efficiency
Very effective even with low plasma
concentration.
3 MAJOR TYPES OF
HORMONES
 Proteins and Polypeptides

Largest Groups of hormones

Produced in places like the Hypothalamus, Pituitary,
Pancreas and Parathyroid Glands.
Synthesis of hormones happens at the endoplasmic
reticulum and transported in to the Golgi
Apparatus and into secretory vesicles for export.

 Steroids

Otherwise known as the hormones derived from

cholesterol which are produced at the adrenal
cortex, ovaries, testes and even the placenta.
The synthesis of hormones couldn’t be easily said
and done for there are specific sequence of
reactions for each hormone.
Cholesterol is the base substrate of each
hormonal synthesis.

 Derivatives of the Amino Acid

Tyrosine
A heterogenous group of hormones formed in the adrenal
medulla and thyroid gland which are divided into two
specific subgroups which are the:
Thyroid Hormones:
Hormones that are synthesized in the follicular cells of the Thyroid
gland. Thyroid hormones have a specific characteristic known as to
having lipophilicity due to iodization. Through the follicular cells, the
incorporation of the macromolecules of thyroglobulin forms the
colloid. When adequate stimulus occurs, it releases macromolecules
which are bound to plasma transport and into the target tissues.
Adrenal Hormones:
Also known as Catecholamines, are hydrophilic hormones. They can be
stored in secretory vesicles and if an adequate stimulus occurs pre-
formed hormones can be simply poured into the circulation through
exocytosis. They are then dissolved in blood plasma.
Endocrine glands and their
hormone secretions

FEEDBACK CONTROL OF HORMONE SECRETION

•Negative Feedback Prevents Overactivity of Hormone Systems

- all hormones studied thus far appear to be closely
controlled. In most instances, this control is
exerted through negative feedback
mechanisms  ensure a proper level of hormone
activity at the target tissue.
FEEDBACK CONTROL OF HORMONE SECRETION

•Surges of Hormones Can Occur With Positive Feedback

There are a few instances, positive feedback occurs
when the biological action of the hormone causes
additional secretion of the hormone.
FEEDBACK CONTROL OF HORMONE SECRETION

Cyclical Variations Occur in Hormone Release

Superimposed on the negative and positive feedback
control of hormone secretion are periodic variations in
hormone release that are influenced by seasonal changes,
various stages of development and aging, the diurnal
(daily) cycle, and sleep.
FEEDBACK CONTROL OF HORMONE SECRETION
What will happen if there is no negative feedback and too many

hormones is released.
TRANSPORT OF HORMONES IN THE BLOOD
Water-soluble hormones (peptides and catecholamines) are dissolved in

the plasma and transported from their sites of synthesis to target

tissues, where they diffuse out of the capillaries, into the interstitial

fluid, and ultimately to target cells.

Steroid and thyroid hormones, in contrast, circulate in the blood while

being mainly bound to plasma proteins. Usually less than 10 percent of

steroid or thyroid hormones in the plasma exist free in solution.

“Clearance” of Hormones From the Blood
Two factors can increase or decrease the concentration of a

hormone in the blood. One factor is the rate of hormone secretion

into the blood. The second is the rate of removal of the hormone

formula:

Metabolic clearance rate = Rate of disappearance of hormone

from the plasma/Concentration of hormone

Hormones are “cleared” from the plasma in several ways, including

(1) metabolic destruction by the tissues, (2) binding with the tissues,

(3) excretion by the liver into the bile, and (4) excretion by the kidneys

into the urine.

 HORMONE RECEPTORS AND THEIR
ACTIVATION
Hormones need to bind to a specific receptor at the
target cell in order for them to initiate changes
Hormone Receptors are large proteins and the
compatible cells contain 2000 to 100,000 receptors
 Continuation
But the number of receptors in a target cell is
not constant and gradually changes
throughout minute
THE STRESS RESPONSE
Fight or Flight
 Short Term Response

In a stressful situation, our body produces

the hormone called epinephrine or adrenaline
to increase the stimulation of blood glucose
giving a short burst of energy.
 Long Term Response

Long Term Response is different from the

Short term as the body cannot produce
adrenaline for a long time. Instead it produces
corticosteroids, there are two which are
glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
Thank you!