endocrine system

• Glands and their hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions
• Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands that travel through the bloodstream to target cells
• Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
• Exocrine glands secrete substances through ducts to the outside of the body or into body cavities
• Examples of endocrine glands and their hormones:

  • Pituitary gland: secretes growth hormone, prolactin, and oxytocin
  • Thyroid gland: secretes thyroxine and calcitonin
  • Adrenal glands: secrete adrenaline and cortisol
  • Pancreas: secretes insulin and glucagon
  • Ovaries: secrete estrogen and progesterone
  • Testes: secrete testosterone
• Hormones regulate processes such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response
• Imbalances in hormone levels can lead to various health issues
• Thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
• The posterior pituitary gland stores and releases two hormones produced by the hypothalamus: oxytocin (which stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth) and antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which regulates water balance in the body.
• The anterior pituitary gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response.
• The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain.
• Growth Hormone (GH): Stimulates bone and muscle growth in children and adolescents.
• Prolactin: Promotes milk production in women who are breastfeeding.
• Growth hormone (GH): Stimulates cell division and tissue growth in children and adolescents; promotes bone growth and muscle mass in adults.
• Prolactin: Promotes milk production in women after giving birth.
• FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone): Regulates ovulation in females and sperm production in males.
• Glucocorticoids are involved in carbohydrate metabolism and immune function regulation.
• Adrenal cortex secretes glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids, and sex steroid hormones.
• The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine, also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline respectively.
• Prolactin: Promotes milk production in females.
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Regulates cortisol release from the adrenal glands.
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Stimulates sperm cell development in males and egg maturation in females.
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Regulates thyroid function and stimulates the release of thyroxine (T4).