Endocrine (Pt.2)

• Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) - Involved in the body’s response to both physical and emotional stress

  • Signals the Pituitary Gland to produce Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

  • ACTH triggers Cortisol Production, a stress hormone
• Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) - Stimulates the Pituitary Gland to produce Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

  • Plays role in many functions of the body

  • Heart, Gastrointestinal Tract, Muscles
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) - Causes the Pituitary Gland to produce reproductive hormones: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Oxytocin - • Controls behaviors and emotions: sexual arousal, trust, recognition, maternal behavior

  • Involved in reproductive functions: childbirth and lactation
• Vasopressin or Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) - • Regulates water levels

  • Signals the kidneys to absorb water
• Somatostatin - Stops the Pituitary Gland in releasing Growth Hormones and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormones (TSH)
• Anterior lobe (Pituitary Gland)

  • Growth Hormone (GH) - Regulates growth and physical development. Stimulates muscle formation and reduces fat tissue.
  • Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) - Stimulates thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) / Corticotropin - Stimulates adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other hormones
  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - Stimulate testes to produce sperm, and ovaries to produce eggs, and to produce sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen, respectively
• Anterior lobe (Pituitary Gland)

  • Prolactin - Stimulates mammary glands to produce milk
  • Beta-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone - Skin Darkening
  • Enkephalins and Endorphins - Inhibit pain sensations
• Posterior lobe (Pituitary Gland)

  • Vasopressin or Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) - Regulates the amount of water excreted by the kidneys (Water Balance)
  • Oxytocin - Uterine contraction during childbirth • Prevent excessive bleeding during childbirth • Stimulates contractions of milk ducts (”milk letdown”)
• Thyroid Hormones

  Triiodothyronine (T3) Thyroxine (T4) - Regulate metabolism, heart and digestive functions, muscle control, brain development and maintenance of bones

  Calcitonin - Regulate levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood and body fluids

  • Stimulates osteoblast and osteoclast activities
• Adrenal Hormones

  Adrenal Cortex

  • Mineralocorticoid (Aldosterone) - Maintains body’s salt and water levels to regulate blood pressure
  • Glucocorticoid (Cortisol) - Involved in the response to illness • Regulates body metabolism • Stimulates glucose production • Has anti-inflammatory effects
  • Androgens - Male sex hormones • Play a role in early development of male sex organs, and female body hair during puberty
• Adrenal Hormones

  Adrenal Medulla

  • Catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine) - Responsible for all physiological characteristics of the stress response, the “fight or flight” response
• Ovary Hormones

  Estrogen - Promotes healthy development of female sex characteristics and ensures fertility

  • Instrumental in bone formation, working with Vit. D, calcium and other hormones

  • Plays a role in blood clotting, maintaining strength of vaginal wall and urethral lining

  Progesterone - Prevent uterine contractions during pregnancy

  • Prepares the breast for lactation

  • Stimulates growth of blood vessels for nutrient supply during pregnancy

  • Prepares uterine tissue lining for zygote implant
• Testis Hormones

  Testosterone

  Puberty - Necessary for proper physical development

  • Increase in height, increase in muscle mass, growth of Adam’s Apple, growth of facial and body hair, lowering of voice

  • Healthy development of sex organs

  Adulthood - Maintains libido

  • Functions for sperm production

  • Maintains muscle strength and mass

  • Promotes healthy bone density