THE
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
The Endocrine System is a complex network of glands
that produce and secrete hormones directly into the
bloodstream. These hormones serve as chemical
messengers to regulate various bodily functions and
processes, ensuring proper coordination and balance
in the body.
FUNCTIONS
✔ Regulation of Metabolism
✔ Growth and Development
✔ Reproduction and Fertility
✔ Regulation of Stress Responses
✔ Maintenance of Electrolyte and Water Balance
✔ Regulation of Sleep and Mood
HYPOTHALAMUS
An area of the brain that produces hormones that
control body temperature, heart rate, and hunger.
Its main function is to keep your body in a stable
state called homeostasis.
Located in the ventral brain above the
pituitary gland and below the third ventricle.
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH),
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH),
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH),
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH),
Somatostatin, and Dopamine
PITUITARY GLAND
Main function is to produce and release several
hormones that help carry out important bodily
functions
Located at the base of your brain, behind the bridge
of your nose and directly below your hypothalamus.
PITUITARY GLAND
ANTERIOR POSTERIOR
• Adrenocorticotrophic hormone • Oxytocin
(ACTH) • Antidiuretic hormone (ADH, or
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) vasopressin).
• Luteinising hormone (LH)
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Prolactin (PRL)
• Growth hormone (GH)
• Melanocyte-stimulating hormone
(MSH)
THYROID GLAND
Produce hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate,
growth and development. It plays a role in controlling heart,
muscle, and digestive functions, brain development, and
bone maintenance.
Located at the base of the throat, just inferior to the
Adam's apple
Triiodothyronine or T3, Thyroxine or T4, Calcitonin
PARATHYROID GLAND
Regulates calcium levels in the blood, largely by increasing
the levels when they are too low. It does this through its
actions on the kidneys, bones and intestine.
Four tiny parathyroid glands are located around the thyroid
in the throat.
Parathyroid hormone
ADRENAL GLAND
Produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune
system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential
functions.
Located on top of each of your two kidneys.
ADRENAL GLAND
CORTEX MEDULLA
• Aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid) • Adrenaline (epinephrine)
• Cortisol (a glucocorticoid) • Noradrenaline (norepinephrine)
• Androgen and Estrogen (sex
hormones)
PANCREAS
It plays an essential role in converting the food we eat into fuel for the
body's cells. The pancreas has two main functions: an exocrine
function that helps in digestion and an endocrine function that
regulates blood sugar.
Located inside your abdomen, just behind your stomach
Glucagon, Insulin, Somatostatin, Ghrelin, and Pancreatic polypeptide
PINEAL GLAND
To receive and convey information about the current light-dark
cycle from the environment via the production and secretion of
melatonin cyclically at night
Located deep in the brain in an area called the epithalamus
Melatonin
THYMUS GLAND
Plays an important role in developing the immune system.
This small organ makes white blood cells, called T-cells,
and plays a huge part in training your body to fight
infections and cancer cells.
Located in the upper thorax, posterior to the sternum.
Thymopoietin and Thymulin
GONADS
Known as the reproductive gland or sex gland or the female and male reproductive
organs. It is responsible for producing both gametes and sex hormones within an
organism. These glands play a crucial role in reproduction and other bodily
functions, producing hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
OVARIES
Play a critical role in both menstruation and conception.
They produce eggs for fertilization and they make the
hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Located in the pelvic cavity.
Progesterone and Estrogen
TESTES
Produce and secrete the hormones that control the development
of male sexual characteristics and the reproductive function of
the adult male.
Found inside the scrotum.
Testosterone
PLACENTA
A temporary organ that connects the baby to the uterus during pregnancy. The
placenta develops shortly after conception and attaches to the wall of your
uterus. Your baby is connected to the placenta by the umbilical cord. Together,
the placenta and umbilical cord act as your baby's lifeline while in the uterus.
Located at the top of the uterus
Estrogen and Progesterone
CLASSIFICATIONS OF HORMONES
STEROID HORMONES
AMINO ACID-BASED HORMONES
Synthesized in the adrenal cortex, the Synthesized in the medulla of the
gonads, and the placenta. adrenal glands.
Testosterone, Progesterone, and Estrogen. Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
THANK YOU
