Endocrine System Review

Glands and Their Functions

1. Pineal Gland

  • Releases melatonin.
  • Regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

2. Thyroid Gland

  • Releases thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
  • Regulates growth, development, and metabolism.

3. Thymus

  • Helps with the immune system.

4. Pancreas

  • Releases two hormones to regulate blood glucose levels.
  • Corrects hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).

5. Ovaries

  • Release ova (eggs).
  • Regulate estrogen and progesterone release.

6. Testes

  • Regulate the hormone that leads to the development of secondary sex characteristics in men.

7. Adrenal Glands

  • Composed of two parts:
    • One part releases a hormone causing vasoconstriction.
    • Increases heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP).
    • The other part releases two hormones:
      • Decreases inflammation.
      • Retains sodium (Na) and water (H2O).

8. Parathyroid Gland

  • Releases and maintains calcium levels in the body.

9. Pituitary Gland

  • Found in the diencephalon region of the brain.
  • Works closely with the hypothalamus.

10. Hypothalamus

  • Signals releasing hormones to the anterior pituitary gland.
  • Signals the release of ADH (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin.

Hormones and Their Functions

11. Growth Hormone

  • Predominantly released during adolescence.
  • Helps with tissue and body growth.

12. Stimulating Hormone (targeting adrenal medulla and cortex)

  • Targets the adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex.

13. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

  • Altered by the levels of thyroxine and triiodothyronine in the body. This creates a negative feedback loop. TSH
    eq T3, T4

14. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

  • Responsible for maturing ovarian follicles.
  • Responsible for sperm development.

15. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

  • Responsible for promoting ovulation.
  • Responsible for the release of testosterone.

16. Prolactin

  • Responsible for the production of milk.

17. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

  • Responsible for increasing blood volume.
  • Decreases urine output.

18 & 19. Oxytocin

  • Responsible for the release of milk from the mammary glands.
  • Causes uterine contraction.