DIFFERENT GLANDS OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

• Hypothalamus - part of your brain that controls hormone production by

releasing different chemicals to the pituitary gland- “commander”
• Pituitary gland –gland that secretes growth hormone, prolactin,
antidiuretic hormones and others - “Master gland”
• Pineal gland - connects the endocrine system with the nervous system
produces several important hormones, including melatonin, important to
sleep/wake cycles and sexual development
• Thyroid gland – located in the front of your neck, it releases hormones
(thyroxin) that control your metabolism and govern the way your body
uses energy
-Hypothyroidism
-Cretinism-Hyperthyroidism
 THYMUS GLAND -The thymus gland, lying between the lungs under the
sternum, secretes thymosins that affect production and differentiation of T
lymphocytes that are important in immunity.
 Kidney- maintaining proper bodily functions and overall health.
• Parathyroid - located behind the thyroid gland, they are essential for
proper bone development
• Adrenal glands - influence the way your body uses energy
-Adrenal cortex- regulated by the pituitary hormone ACTH
(adrenocorticotrophic)
-Secretes hormones cortisol- Stress hormone produced by body to ensure
that the body gets enough fuel during emotional arousal and stress
• Pancreas - releases the hormones (insulin) your body needs to metabolize
sugar; problems with the pancreas can lead to diabetes
• Epinephrine and Norepinephrine are similar chemicals that act as both
neurotransmitters and hormones in the body. Both substances play an
important role in the body’s fight or flight response, and their release into
the bloodstream causes increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood
sugar levels.
• Ovaries - produce estrogen and progesterone in women, and also release egg
cells (and a small amounts of testosterone)
Estrogen- fosters female reproductive capacity, and accumulation of fatty tissue
in breast and hips
 Progesterone-stimulates growth of female reproductive organ, and prepares
uterus to maintain pregnancy
• Testes - produce the hormone testosterone; in men, testosterone maintains
sperm production and bone mass.

HORMONE FUNCTIONS
 Regulate the chemical composition and volume of the internal
environment (extracellular fluid).
 Help regulate metabolism and energy balance.
 Help regulate contraction of smooth and cardiac muscle fibers and
secretion by glands.
 Help maintain homeostasis, despite disruptions, such as infection, trauma,
emotional stress, dehydration, starvation, hemorrhage, and temperature
extremes.
 Regulate certain activities of the immune system.
 Play a role in the smooth, sequential integration of growth and
development.
 Contribute to the basic processes of reproduction, including gamete
production, fertilization, nourishment of the embryo and fetus, delivery,
and nourishment of the newborn.
The endocrine hormones help control mood, growth and development, the way our
organs work, , and reproduction. The endocrine system regulates how much of each
hormone is released.

Glucagon spurs the liver to break down glycogen

and release more glucose into the blood.