The Endocrine System

The Endocrine System

1. Endocrine glands

   • secrete and control hormones
     • regulated by feedback
   • major glands include pituitary, adrenal glands, and ovaries and testies

2. Hormones

   • hypothalamus - releasing hormone
     • pituitary gland - secreting hormone
       • target gland- specific hormone
         • Specific hormone level rises - releasing hormone decreses
           • Stable hormone levels reached

3. Pituitary gland

   • controlled by the hypothalamus
   • 'master gland' stimulates other glands into releasing hormones
     • regulated by negative feedback
       • prevents hormone levels getting too high
   • Anterior and posterior
     • posterior
       • oxytocin - childbirth and mother-infant bonding,
     • anterior
       • ACTH - stimulates cortisol production in response to stress
       • Luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone
         • females: ovaries produce oestrogen and progesterone
         • Males: testies produce testosterone and sperm

4. Adrenal glands

   • located near kidneys
     • Outer part: adrenal cortex
       • necessary for life
       • Cortisol
         • regulates cardiovascular and anti-inflamitory responses
         • low levels lead to low blood pressure, poor immune response, inability to cope with stress
       • Aldosterone
         • regulates blood pressure and volume
     • inner part: adrenal medulla
       • not
       • fight or flight: adrenaline and noradrenaline
         • adrenaline: increase heart rate and blood flow, aid fat conversion into glucose
         • noradrenaline: constricts blood vessels to increase blood pressure

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