The endocrine system

1. Hypophysis (pituitary gland)

• Under the diencephalon – the hypothalamus
• Consists of two lobes – anterior and posterior
• The anterior releases the gonadotropins (FSH
and LSH) and the growth hormone –
somatotropin.
• The posterior lobe secretes oxytocin and
antidiuretic hormone (ADH). The ADH acts on
kidney nephrons decreasing water loss with the
urine. Thus, it controls the water content of the
blood.
2. Epiphysis (pineal gland)
• Produces melatonin – a
hormone that is released at
night and regulates sleep. It also
exhibits the early start of
puberty.
• In the day time the pineal gland
produces the hormone of
happiness – serotonin.
 3. Thyroid gland and parathyroid glands
• At the beginning of the trachea, under
the larynx.
• Secretes thyroxine which controls the
body’s metabolic rate and increases
protein synthesis in the body.
• The thyroid hormones contain iodine.
When there is iodine deficiency, the
thyroid enlarges, causing a disease –
goitre.
• The parathyroid glands release
hormones that participate in the
regulation of calcium and phosphorus
exchange in the body.
 4. Pancreas
• Mixed gland – both exocrine and endocrine
secretion.
• Exocrine – pancreatic juice in the duodenum
• Endocrine – hormones – insulin and glucagon.
• Insulin – lowers the level of glucose in blood. When
not enough insulin is produced a disease called
diabetes occurs.
• Glucagon – opposite to the insulin – when blood
glucose is low, it stimulates the breakdown of
glycogen to glucose.
 5. Adrenal gland

• Made of two parts – cortex and medulla

• The medulla produces adrenaline – the
stress hormone. It is produced at
excessive excitement, anger, or fear.
• ‘Fight or flight’ hormone – the breathing
rate increases, the heart beats faster,
blood is diverted away from intestines in
the muscles, in the liver, the stored
carbohydrates are changed into glucose,
the pupils dilate, mental awareness is
increased.