The The Endocrine System Endocrine System
Dec 30, 2015
FunctionFunction
To release hormones to control tissues throughout the body◦The control is nonspecific, slow (relative to
nervous system control), and can be long lasting.
Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues
Adrenal Glands◦Located on superior aspect of kidneys◦Divided into adrenal cortex and medulla◦Adrenal cortex
Releases aldosterone◦Stimulates sodium ion conservation and the elimination of
potassium ions Releases cortisol, hydrocortisone, corticosterone
◦ release amino acids from muscle and lipids from adipose◦Promote formation of glucose and glycogen◦Promotes peripheral use of lipids◦Has anti-inflammatory effects
Releases androgens◦Encourages bone growth, muscle growth, and blood
formation in children and women.
Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues
Adrenal Glands (con’t)◦Medulla
Releases epinephrine, norepinephrine◦ Increases cardiac activity, blood pressure, glycogen
breakdown, blood glucose levels.◦Release lipids from adipose tissue.
Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues
Male and female gonads◦Located in the pelvic region◦Female gonads (ovaries) release Estrogens
Support the maturation of egg, secondary female sex characteristics, and associated behaviors
◦Male gonads (testes) release Androgens (Testosterone) Support maturation of sperm, protein synthesis in
skeletal muscle, secondary sex characteristics, and associated behaviors
Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues
Hypothalamus◦Located in the brain◦Releases antidiuretic hormone
Decreases amount of water lost in the kidneys Causes vasoconstriction
◦Releases oxytocin◦Stimulates muscles in walls of uterus, promoting labor
and delivery.
Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues
Pancreas (pancreatic islets)◦Located on the left side of the abdominal
cavity, inferior to the stomach◦Releases glucagon
Stimulates glucose production (increase blood glucose levels)
Breakdown triglycerides in adipose tissue and released into bloodstream.
◦Releases insulin Accelerates glucose uptake and utilization from
the blood (lowers blood glucose levels)
Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues
Parathyroid glands◦Located in throat, 2 on each side of the thyroid
gland◦Releases parathyroid hormone
Increase calcium levels in body fluids
Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues
Pineal gland◦Located in brain◦Releases melatonin
Slows maturation of sex cells Antioxidant Sets circadian (day-night) rhythms
Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues
Pituitary gland◦Located in brain◦Releases thyroid stimulating hormone
Triggers the release of thyroid hormones
◦Releases adrenocorticotropic hormone Stimulates the release of steroid hormones from
the adrenal cortex
◦Releases follicle stimulating hormone In females, it promotes follicle development
◦Precursor to the egg In males, it promotes sperm differentiation
Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues
Pituitary gland (con’t)◦Releases lutenizing hormone
Induces ovulation
◦Releases prolactin Stimulates mammary gland development
◦Releases growth hormone Stimulates cell growth and replication
◦Releases melanocyte-stimulating hormone Stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin
Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues
Pituitary gland (con’t)◦Releases antidiuretic hormone
Decreases amount of water lost in the kidneys Causes vasoconstriction
◦Releases oxytocin Stimulates muscles in walls of uterus, promoting
labor and delivery.
Glands and TissuesGlands and Tissues
Thymus◦Located between lungs on the trachea, where
the trachea splits into the bronchii◦Releases thymosins
Promotes the development of lymphocytes (white blood cells responsible for immunity)