MindTap - Chapter 11: The Great Communicator

the endocrine system

composed of ductless glands that secrete chemical messengers called hormones into the bloodstream

what structures are in the endocrine system?

pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, thymus, pineal gland, and gonads

where is the pituitary gland located?

located at the base of the brain just below the hypothalamus

what are the two lobes of the pituitary gland called?

anterior and posterior

what are the secretions of the anterior pituitary gland?

thyroid stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, interstitial cell-stimulating hormone, prolactin or lactogenic hormone, growth hormone, and melanocyte stimulating hormone

thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

augments growth and secretions of the thyroid gland; in the pituitary gland

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

arguments the growth and secretions of the adrenal cortex; in the pituitary gland

follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

augments the secretion of estrogen and growth of the eggs in the ovaries (female) and in the production of sperm (male); in the pituitary gland

luteinizing hormone (LH)

augments ovulation and aids in the maintenance of pregnancy; in the pituitary gland

interstitial cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH)

stimulates testosterone secretion in males; in the pituitary gland

prolactin or lactogenic hormone (LTH)

augments milk secretion and influences maternal behavior; in the pituitary gland

growth hormone or somatotropin (GH/STH)

accelerates body growth; in the pituitary gland

melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH)

augments skin pigmentation; in the pituitary gland

what are the secretions of the posterior pituitary gland?

antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin

antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

maintains water balance in the body by augmenting water reabsorption in the kidneys; in the pituitary gland

oxytocin

stimulates uterine contractions during parturition and mild letdown from the mammary ducts; in the pituitary gland

what is the thyroid gland shaped like?

butterfly-shaped

triiodothyronine (T₃) and thyroxine (T₄)

two of the thyroid hormones that regulates metabolism

calcitonin

thyroid hormone that promotes the absorption of calcium from blood into bones (lowers blood calcium and raises bone calcium levels)

where are the parathyroid glands located?

on the surface of the thyroid gland

the parathyroid glands

helps regulate blood calcium and phosphorus levels