Endocrine System

• The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is often referred to as the "master gland" because it controls the functions of other endocrine glands.
• The hypothalamus secretes releasing factors that stimulate or inhibit the release of specific hormones from the anterior pituitary.
• Hormones produced by the posterior lobe include oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
• Hormones produced by the anterior lobe include growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH).
• Calcitonin, which regulates calcium levels, is also produced by the thyroid gland.
• The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck.
• The pancreas is an endocrine gland that produces insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels.
• The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master gland" because it controls the functions of other endocrine glands in the body.
• Oxytocin causes uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding.
• Antidiuretic hormone regulates water balance in the body by increasing reabsorption of water in the kidneys.
• Calcitonin regulates calcium levels in the blood.
• Calcitonin helps maintain calcium levels in the blood by inhibiting bone resorption.
• Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases blood calcium levels by promoting bone breakdown and increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys.
• The pineal gland is responsible for producing melatonin, which helps regulate sleep patterns.