Endocrine System

❖ Endocrine system: a network of glands/organs that secrete and produce hormones into
the bloodstream (maintains homeostasis in the body)
➢ Examples include: Pineal gland, hypothalamus, thyroid gland and the thymus
❖ Hypothalamus: Is a neuroendocrine system
➢ Link between the nervous system and endocrine system
❖ Regulates the pituitary gland
❖ Maintains homeostasis by controlling body temperature, hunger, etc
❖ Pituitary gland: Located at the base of the brain below the hypothalamus, regulates
many other endocrine glands
➢ Anterior pituitary produces and releases several hormones
➢ Posterior pituitary does not produce hormones itself but stores and releases
hormones
❖ The hypothalamic-pituitary portal system
➢ This connection allows the hypothalamus to control and regulate the release of
hormones from the pituitary gland.
❖ Thyroid Gland: Located in the front of the neck, just below the larynx
➢ Produces and releases hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and
development (thyroxine and calcitonin)
➢ Disorders
■ Hypothyroidism: insufficient thyroid hormones
■ Hyperthyroidism: excessive thyroid hormones
❖ Parathyroid Glands: Located in the neck, two on each side of the thyroid gland
➢ Mainly produces parathyroid hormone (PTH) which regulates calcium and
phosphate levels in the blood
➢ Disorders
■ Hyperparathyroidism: Excessive amounts of PTH (Kidney stones)
■ Hypoparathyroidism: insufficient amounts of PTH (Neurological symptoms)
❖ Adrenal Glands: located on top of each kidney
➢ Outer adrenal cortex: produces steroid hormones (corticosteroids) (cortisol, DHEA,
aldosterone)
➢ Inner adrenal medulla: produces catecholamines (fight or flight hormones)
➢ Regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland
➢ Disorders
■ Addison’s disease: underproduction of cortisol
■ Cushingès syndrome: overproduction of cortisol
■ Hormone replacement therapy might be necessary
❖ Pancreas: Located behind the stomach