endocrine system

• the endocrine system is a series of glands which release chemicals throughout the body. the chemicals communicate messages to organs around the body
• function of the endocrine system

  secrete hormones to regulate bodily functions. chemical communication system via blood stream
• gland

  an organ that secretes a particular chemical
• hormone

  regulatory substance produced by glands
• thyroid gland - thyroxine - regulates metabolism - hypothyroidism
• pineal gland - melatonin - sleep cycle - craniopharyngiomas
• anterior pituitary gland - ACTH - stimulates adrenal cortex and release of cortisol - hypopituitarism
• posterior pituitary gland - oxytocin - uterus contractions during childbirth - hypersecretion
• testes - testosterone - male sex characteristics and muscle growth - hypogonadism
• adrenal medulla - fof response - addisons disease
• adrenal cortex - cortisol - stimulates glucose for energy and suppresses immune system - cushings sydrome