6 - Glands and Hormones

Hypothalamus

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