endocrine and respiratory system

• Endocrine system involves a series of endocrine glands that produce hormones in a person’s body
• Glands involved in the endocrine system include the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland
• Hormones produced by the endocrine system include insulin, estrogen, testosterone, and adrenaline
• Endocrine system is involved in:

  • Regulation of growth and development
  • Regulation of reproductive system
  • Homeostasis- the regulation of internal environment of the body
• Components of endocrine system:

  • Hypothalamus
  • Pituitary
  • Thyroid
  • Parathyroid
  • Adrenals
  • Ovaries
  • Testes
  • Pancreas
• Hypothalamus:

  • Main link between endocrine system and nervous system
  • Maintains homeostasis by managing body temperature, blood pressure, hunger and thirst, sense of fullness when eating, mood, sex drive, and sleep
• Pituitary Gland:

  • Known as the master gland
  • Secretes hormones that control growth, metabolism, reproduction, response to stress or trauma, lactation, water and sodium balance, labor, and childbirth
• Thyroid:

  • Produces and releases hormones including Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3), Reverse triiodothyronine (RT3), and Calcitonin
  • Hormones affect metabolism, heart rate, breathing, digestion, body temperature, brain development, mental activity, skin and bone maintenance, and fertility
• Parathyroid Gland:

  • Produces parathyroid hormone (PTH) to regulate blood calcium levels by controlling absorption of calcium from intestines and release of calcium from bones
• Adrenal Glands:

  • Divided into cortex and medulla
  • Cortex produces cortisol and aldosterone
  • Medulla produces adrenaline and noradrenaline
• Ovaries:

  • Produce estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Pancreas:

  • Acts as both an endocrine and exocrine gland
  • Endocrine function includes producing insulin and glucagon
• Specificity of hormones in relation to target cells/organs:

  • Receptor specificity ensures hormones only bind to intended receptors
  • Location of receptors on cells helps hormones activate target cells
  • Signal transduction triggers biochemical reactions for desired cellular response
• Role of the pancreas in the regulation of blood glucose:

  • Insulin lowers blood sugar levels by helping cells absorb glucose
  • Glucagon increases blood sugar levels by stimulating breakdown of glycogen into glucose
• Action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in urine production:

  • Regulates water balance and urine production
  • Increases permeability of collecting ducts in kidneys to reabsorb water
  • Maintains blood pressure and electrolyte balance