Endocrine System: Glands, Hormones, and Disorders

Hormones

Natural chemical substances that control, manage and coordinate several bodily functions throughout the body

Gland

An organ that secretes and releases a substance.

Exocrine gland

A gland that secretes a substance to the exterior part of the body

Endocrine gland

A gland that secretes and releases hormones into the blood which goes to target organ(s) in the body

Homeostasis

Bodily balance

The hypothalamus

Also referred to as the 'master gland', this endocrine system gland is housed near the base of the skull just above the pituitary gland and it performs several roles

The pituitary gland

The endocrine system gland that is housed near the base of the skull just below the hypothalamus gland that performs several roles

The pineal gland

The small endocrine system gland that is in the brain and relatively close to the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands of the endocrine system and that regulates sleep and wake cycles

Circadian rhythm

The normal human being's 24-hour cycle of sleep and wakefulness.

Diurnal beings

Day time active and nighttime sleep beings

Nocturnal beings

Nighttime active and daytime sleep beings

The thyroid

The endocrine system gland that lies in the neck and secretes several endocrine hormones

The parathyroids

The four endocrine system glands that lie on both sides of the thyroid gland in the neck and that control the amount of circulating calcium and phosphorous, which are two electrolytes

Adrenal gland

The endocrine system glands that lie in the abdominal area above the diaphragm and just above the kidneys that secrete several hormones from its cortex and its medulla

Adrenal cortex

The outer layer of the adrenal glands that secrete androgen, aldosterone, and cortisol

Adrenal medulla

The inner layer of the adrenal glands that secretes adrenaline, noradrenaline and catecholamine

The pancreas

The endocrine system gland that is located behind the stomach that plays an important role in our control of blood sugar with insulin from this gland

The ovaries

The endocrine system and reproductive system gland that produces progesterone, estrogen, inhibin and androstenedione

Progesterone

The ovarian hormone that is secreted by the ovaries and plays a role in the menstrual cycle and the preparation of the uterus for the implantation of the fertilized egg or ovum

Estrogen

The ovarian hormone that is secreted by the ovaries and plays a role in terms of the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as the breasts, at the time of female puberty, or pubescence

Inhibin

The ovarian hormone that is secreted by the ovaries and plays a role in the body in terms of the inhibition of follicle-stimulating hormone among females

Androstenedione

The ovarian hormone that is secreted by the ovaries and plays a role as an androgen hormone

The testes

The endocrine system gland that produces androgens, particularly testosterone, and, as a reproductive organ, the testes also produces and manufactures sperm

Diabetes insipidus

A pituitary gland disorder

Acromegaly

A pituitary gland disorder

Gigantism

A pituitary gland disorder.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH)

A pituitary gland disorder

Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid gland

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid gland

Cushing's syndrome

Disorder that results from the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands

Addison's disease

Disorder that results from the underproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands

What is the main role of the endocrine system?

To provide hormones that regulate body functions, sustain life, and maintain balance.

What do hormones regulate?

Growth, metabolism, sexual development, reproduction, sleep, mood, and tissue function.

How are endocrine glands different from exocrine glands?

Endocrine glands secrete hormones into blood; exocrine glands secrete substances to body surfaces or ducts.

What are the general functions of hormones?

Regulate fluids, metabolism, biological clock, muscle contraction, gland secretion, immunity, growth, reproduction.

What glands make up the endocrine system?

Hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, testes.

What is the role of the hypothalamus?

Maintains homeostasis and links the nervous and endocrine systems.

Why is the pituitary gland called the master gland?

It controls secretion of several other endocrine glands.

What functions does the pituitary gland control?

Fluid balance, blood pressure, sexual organ maturation, growth, childbirth, milk production, metabolism.

What is the role of the pineal gland?

Regulates sleep cycles and circadian rhythm through melatonin.

What is the role of the thyroid gland?

Controls metabolism, basal metabolic rate, heart rate, body temperature, breathing, oxygen use, growth, sexual function.

Where are the parathyroid glands located?

Behind the thyroid gland, two pairs bilaterally.

What do the parathyroid glands regulate?

Calcium and phosphate levels in blood, important for bones, teeth, and nervous system.

What hormone do parathyroid glands secrete?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Where are the adrenal glands located?

Above the kidneys.

What are the two layers of the adrenal glands?

Cortex (outer) and medulla (inner).

What hormones does the adrenal cortex secrete?

Androgens, aldosterone (blood pressure/fluid balance), cortisol (metabolism).

What hormones does the adrenal medulla secrete?

Adrenaline, noradrenaline, catecholamines (stress response).

What are the dual roles of the pancreas?

Endocrine (blood sugar regulation) and exocrine (digestive enzyme production).

What hormones does the pancreas produce?

Insulin and glucagon.

What is the role of the ovaries?

Produce estrogen, progesterone, and ova (eggs).

What is the role of the testes?

Produce testosterone and sperm.

What pituitary hormones stimulate the testes?

LH (testosterone production) and FSH (sperm production).