The Endocrine System

Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream, and from there they are distributed to target organs or tissues. Hormones that are used are peptides and steroids.

Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones into tissue fluid. Exocrine glands have ducts and secrete hormones into cavities of the body.

SPECIFICATIONS

The following is a list of the prinicipal endocrine glands and hormones:

Hypothalamus- regulates anterior pituitary hormones

Pituitary gland

Posterior Pituitary

· Antidiuretic-stimulates water absorption by kidneys

· Oxytocin- stimulates uterine muscle contraction, release of milk by the mammary glands

Anterior pituitary

TSH- stimulates thyroid

ACTH- stimulates adrenal cortex

Gonadotropic- Egg and sperm production, sex hormone production

PRL- milk production

GH- cell division, protein synthesis, and bone growth

MSH- unknown function in humans; regulates skin color in lover vertebrates

Thyroid- Increases metabolic rate’ regulates growth and development

Parathyroids- Raises blood calcium level

Adrenal Glands- raise blood glucose level: stimulate breakdown of protein also reabsorbs sodium and excrete potassium

Pancreas- lowers blood glucose level” promotes formation of glycogen also raises blood glucose level

Gonads- Stimulate male sex characteristics along with female characteristics

Thymus-= stimulate production and maturations of T lymphocytes

Pineal gland- controls circadian and circannual rhythms, possible involved in maturation of sexual organs

Warning

*If there’s a lack of iodine in the diet a goiter may form because the thyroid is unable to produce its hormones, and continued anterior pituitary stimulation causes the gland to enlarge.

*Cushing syndrome results from hyper secretion of adrenal cortex hormones.

Dangers

*If the pancreas doesn’t produce enough or any insulin at all, the person becomes a diabetic.

Operation

Hormones particularly help maintain homeostasis in several ways: Hormones help maintain the level of nutrients (e.g. amino acids and glucose in blood); help maintain blood volume and pressure by regulating the sodium content of the blood; help maintain the blood calcium level; help regulate fuel metabolism; and help regulate our response to the external environment.

Operation Components

The list above, are all the glands that help run the endocrine system to maintain homeostasis.

Safety Instructions

You should make sure that you have a normal supply of iodine in your system. If symptoms of diabetes are occurring, one should seek medical help immediately. Also, with the onset of aging, one should check for thyroid malfunctioning.

Maintenance

To be done daily: If a diabetic, insulin shots or pills need to be taken. Also, daily washing of the skin to clear up oils will help with blemishes/acne.

To be done monthly: Check your thyroid.

Yearly inspections: Get yearly lab work done to see how it is functioning.