6 - Glands and Hormones

Hypothalamus

\- found at the base of the brain

\- produces hormones that help turn other endocrine glands on and off

\- secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress the release of the hormones in the pituitary gland

Pituitary Gland

\- pea-sized gland found at the center of the skull, right below the hypothalamus

\- also known as hypophysis

\- “master gland”

\- produces hormones that controls activities of many endocrine gland

Anterior Pituitary

\- side of the pituitary gland that faces the front; secretes more hormones than the posterior

Posterior Pituitary

\- side of the pituitary gland that faces the back

Thyroid Gland

\- located under the larynx or voice box

\- regulated metabolism and plays crucial role in development and maturation

\- hormones help in maintaining heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tone, and reproductive functions

Triiodothyronine

\- contains iodine which regulates metabolism

\- T3

Thyroxine

\- plays a crucial role in development and maturation

\- T4

Calcitonin

\- lowers the blood calcium level in the body

Calcium

\- mineral that keeps the nerves and muscle working properly

Parathyroid Glands

\- four tiny glands embedded in the surface of the thyroid

\- releases parathyroid hormones which regulated blood calcium levels along with calcitonin

Thymus

\- can be found in between the lungs and just behind the breastbone

\- responsible for the development of the defense system of the body against disease-causing orgnisms

\- largest in babies but decreases in size as we age

Thymosin

\- stimulates the development of T cells (white blood cells - protects us from bacteria and viruses)

Adrenals

\- means ‘above kidney’

\- located atop of each kidney

Inner Adrenal Medulla

\- produces adrenaline

Adrenaline

\- plays an important role in coping mechanism against short-term physical and emotional stress

Outer Adrenal Cortex

\- secretes corticosteroids which regulates the body’s metabolism, electrolyte balance, immune system, and long-term stress response

Pancreas

\- produces insulin and glucagon which are responsible in maintaining normal blood sugar level

\- largest gland

Insulin

\- keeps the level of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream under control

\- also helps change excess sugar into glycogen

\- produced by Islet of Langerhans

Glucagon

\- increases the level of sugar in the body

\- speeds up the conversion of glycogen into sugar in the liver

Gonads

\- human reproductive organs; produces sex hormones responsible for the development of the secondary sexual characteristics

Testes

\- produces androgens, especially testosterone

Androgens

\- group of sex hormones

\- helps start puberty and plays a role in reproductive health and body development

Ovaries

\- produces estrogen and progesteron

Placenta and Uterus

\- release other hormones during pregnancy and childbirth

Pineal Gland

\- located near the Thalamus of the brain where two halves of the brain join

Melatonin

\- regulates body rhythms and sleep patterns

\- synchronizes daily rhythms, regulates body systems, and helps the body to adapt seasonal changes

Dwarfism

\- characterized by body’s insufficient production of growth hormones

\- common symptoms include: unusually smaller stature compared to other children of the same age

\- can be treated by synthetic growth hormone

\- also known as pituitary dwarfism

Hyperthyroidism

\- too much T3 and T4 can lead to Grave’s disease if left untreated

Hypothyroidism

\- insufficient amount of T3 and T4

Diabetes Mellitus

\- group of metabolic disorders in which a person’s blood glucose level is high due to inadequate insulin production or inability of the body cells to respond to insulin or both

Type 1

\- body does not produce insulin

• Treatment: insulin injections throughout their lifetime, regular blood test, and follow prescribed diet

Type 2

\- body produces minimal insulin/body’s cell do not react to insulin

\- condition called insulin resistance

• Treatment: Diet, exercise, taking antidiuretic tablets

Gestational Diabetes

\- affects pregnant women due to hormonal changes, a pregnant women’s cells are less responsive to insulin

• Treatment: moderate exercise, medication, and observe well planned diet

Macrosomia

\- if gestational diabetes is left untreated or poorly controlled, it can lead to this

\- “fat baby”

\- may make it difficult for the baby to pass through birth canal

Dopamine

\- rewarding chemical

• Completing a task
• Doing self-care activities
• Eating food
• Celebrating little wins

Oxytocin

\- love hormone

• Hugging your loved ones

• Playing with a dog/baby

• Holding hands

Serotonin

\- mood stabilizer

• Sun exposure (be sun safe)
• Meditating
• Running
• Being in nature

Endorphin

\- pain killer

• Laughing
• Exercising
• Dark chocolate
• Essential oils