Overview of the endocrine system
Endocrine system
Collection of specialized cells, and tissues that secrete hormones
Endocrine glands
Ductless organs that secrete hormones into the blood, interstitial fluid, and lymph
Hormones
Characteristics of the endocrine system
1) hormones have access to every cell
2) each hormone acts only on specific cells (target cells)
3) only specific cells have receptors for specific hormones
4) endocrine control is slower than the nervous system
5) endocrine and nervous systems interact
classification of steroid hormones
Classification of non-steroidal hormones
How steroid hormones work
How non-steroid hormones work
How hormones participate in feedback loops
Hypothalamus
Pituitary gland
Posterior pituitary gland
Anterior pituitary
The six key hormones of the pituitary gland
ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone): stimulates adrenal cortex to release glucocorticoids (cortisol); promotes and maintains normal growth and development of the cortex of the adrenal gland
TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone): acts on thyroid gland, promotes release of thyroid hormones
FSH & LH (Gonadotrophs): stimulate growth, development, and function of ovaries and testes; not produced until about age 10-13 (puberty); increase in production initiates sexual maturation and development at puberty
Prolactin: stimulates development of mammary glands an milk production
Growth hormone: has widespread effects on the body; major effects on bone, muscle; most of its growth-promoting effects occur during childhood and adolescence
Pituitary disorders
Diabetes insipidus: hypo secretion of ADH results in inability to conserve water appropriately; causes excessive urinate, dehydration, thirst
Gigantism: hypersecretion of growth hormone in body
Acromegaly: excessive growth hormone over a long period in adults
Pituitary dwarfism: hyposecretion of growth hormone, treated by administration of GH throughout childhood
Pineal gland
Thyroid gland
Parathyroid hormone (PTH):
Iodine deficiency can cause goiter
Adrenal cortex
Adrenal medulla
Adrenal cortex is where
The adrenal cortex is in the outer layer of the adrenal gland
- glucocorticoids, such as cortisol
- mineralcorticoids, such as aldosterone
Adrenal medulla is where
The adrenal medulla is the inner layer of the adrenal gland
- epinephrine (adrenaline)
- norepinephrine (noradrenaline)