Endocrine Glands + Brain Functions

Hypothalamus

Located below the thalamus. Manages basic drives (hunger, thirst, body temperature), controls the brain stem +spinal cord, and links the nervous system to the endocrine system. MASTER GLAND

Thalamus

The brain’s primary sensory relay station. Routes incoming sensory data (except smell) to the cerebral cortex.

Pituitary Gland

The "master gland" at the base of the brain. Secretes hormones (thyroid) that direct and control other endocrine glands. water retention on kidneys

Pineal Gland

Located in the brain above the cerebellum. Produces melatonin to regulate sleep-wake cycles.

Limbic System

Includes the hippocampus and amygdala. Governs emotion processing, memory formation, and survival responses.

Cerebrum

The largest brain region. Handles conscious thought, sensory interpretation, intellect, memory, and voluntary movement.

Cerebellum

Located at the back of the brain. Controls motor coordination, balance, equilibrium, and muscle tone.

Brainstem (Pons & Medulla)

Regulates vital autonomic survival functions like heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and sleep arousal.

Frontal Lobe

Located at the front of the brain. Responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, planning, voluntary movement (motor cortex), and personality.

Parietal Lobe

Located at the top-back of the brain. Processes sensory information like touch, pressure, temperature, and pain, as well as spatial awareness.

Occipital Lobe

Located at the very back of the brain. Houses the visual cortex and is primarily responsible for processing visual information (shapes, colors, and motion).

Temporal Lobe

Located on the sides of the brain (near the ears). Responsible for processing auditory information (hearing), language comprehension, and memory.

Thyroid Gland

regulate metabolism, body heat, and energy production. Secrete thyroid hormones+calcifonin

Parathyroid Glands

Small glands located on the back of the thyroid. Regulate blood calcium and phosphorus levels.

Adrenal Glands

Located superficial to kidney. Release adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol to manage the "fight-or-flight" stress response and metabolism.

Pancreas

Releases insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.

Ovaries

Female gonads. Produce estrogen and progesterone to regulate the menstrual cycle, support pregnancy, and develop female secondary sex characteristics.

Testes

Male gonads. Produce testosterone to stimulate sperm production and develop male secondary sex characteristics.

Hormonal Stimuli

glands encouraged by hormones secreted by other glands

Huminal Stimuli

Nutrient/ion levels cause glands to secrete hormones

Nueral Stimuli

Nerve impulse cause glands to secrete hormones

Lipid soluble Hormones

Steroids, Pass directly through membrane- turn on/off genes

Water soluble hormones

Cannot pass membrane on their own, amino acid based, active 2nd messenger