Endocrine Glands: harmone and their function
The Endocrine System is made up of glands that produce and secrete HORMONES, chemical substances produced in the body that regulate the activity of cells or organs. These hormones regulate the body’s Growth, Metabolism (the physical and chemical processes of the body), and sexual development and function. The hormones are released into the bloodstream and may affect one or several organs throughout the body.
Hormones are chemical messengers created by the body. They transfer information from one set of cells to another to coordinate the functions of different parts of the body.
The major glands of the endocrine system are the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pineal body, and the reproductive organs (ovaries and testes). The pancreas is also a part of this system; it has a role in hormone production as well as in digestion.
The endocrine system is regulated by feedback in much the same way that a thermostat regulates the temperature in a room. For the hormones that are regulated by the pituitary gland, a signal is sent from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland in the form of a “releasing hormone,” which stimulates the pituitary to secrete a “stimulating hormone” into the circulation. The stimulating hormone then signals the target gland to secrete its hormone. As the level of this hormone rises in the circulation, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland shut down secretion of the releasing hormone and the stimulating hormone, which in turn slows the secretion by the target gland. This system results in stable blood concentrations of the hormones that are regulated by the pituitary gland.
Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is located in the lower central part of the brain. This part of the brain is important in regulation of satiety, metabolism, and body temperature. In addition, it secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress the release of hormones in the pituitary gland. Many of these hormones are releasing hormones, which are secreted into an artery (the hypophyseal portal system) that carries them directly to the pituitary gland. In the pituitary gland, these releasing hormones signal secretion of stimulating hormones. The hypothalamus also secretes a hormone called somatostatin, which causes the pituitary gland to stop the release of growth hormone.
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain beneath the hypothalamus and is no larger than a pea. It is often considered the most important part of the endocrine system because it produces hormones that control many functions of other endocrine glands. When the pituitary gland does not produce one or more of its hormones or not enough of them, it is called hypopituitarism. The pituitary gland is divided into two parts: the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The anterior lobe produces the following hormones, which are regulated by the hypothalamus:
Growth hormone: Stimulates growth of bone and tissue (Growth hormone deficiency results in growth failure. Growth hormone deficiency in adults results in problems in maintaining proper amounts of body fat and muscle and bone mass. It is also involved in emotional well-being.)
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (A lack of thyroid hormones either because of a defect in the pituitary or the thyroid itself is called hypothyroidism.)
Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal gland to produce several related steroid hormones
Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Hormones that control sexual function and production of the sex Steroids, estrogen and progesterone in females or testosterone in males.
Prolactin: Hormone that stimulates milk production in females.
The posterior lobe produces the following hormones, which are not regulated by the hypothalamus:
Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin): Controls water loss by the kidneys
Oxytocin: Contracts the uterus during childbirth and stimulates milk production
The hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary are actually produced in the brain and carried to the pituitary gland through nerves. They are stored in the pituitary gland.
Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is located in the lower front part of the neck. It produces thyroid hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. It also plays a role in bone growth and development of the brain and nervous system in children. The pituitary gland controls the release of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones also help maintain normal blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, muscle tone, and reproductive functions.
Parathyroid Glands
The parathyroid glands are two pairs of small glands embedded in the surface of the thyroid gland, one pair on each side. They release parathyroid hormone, which plays a role in regulating calcium levels in the blood and bone metabolism.
Adrenal Glands
The two adrenal glands are triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands are made up of two parts. The outer part is called the adrenal cortex, and the inner part is called the adrenal medulla. The outer part produces hormones called corticosteroids, which regulate the body’s metabolism, the balance of salt and water in the body, the immune system, and sexual function. The inner part, or adrenal medulla, produces hormones called catecholamines (for example, adrenaline). These hormones help the body cope with physical and emotional Stress by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure.,
The endocrine system is a complex Network of glands that produce hormones that regulate many important bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and Reproduction. The endocrine system is made up of several glands, each of which produces one or more hormones. These hormones are then released into the bloodstream, where they travel to target cells throughout the body.
The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. It is often referred to as the “master gland” because it produces hormones that control the function of other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland produces six major hormones: growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. It produces two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate metabolism, which is the process by which the body converts food into energy. Thyroid hormones also play a role in growth and development, and they help to regulate the body’s temperature.
The parathyroid glands are four small glands that are located on the back of the thyroid gland. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps to regulate blood calcium levels. PTH helps the body to absorb calcium from food, and it also helps to release calcium from the bones.
The adrenal glands are two small glands that are located on top of the kidneys. They produce a variety of hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, and epinephrine. Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps the body to respond to stress. Aldosterone helps to regulate blood pressure by controlling the amount of sodium and potassium in the blood. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone that helps the body to prepare for a fight-or-flight response.
The pancreas is a gland that is located in the abdomen. It produces digestive ENZYMES that help to break down food, and it also produces insulin and glucagon. Insulin helps the body to use glucose for energy, and glucagon helps the body to release glucose from the liver.
The gonads are the sex glands. In males, the gonads are the testes, and in females, the gonads are the ovaries. The gonads produce sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. Sex hormones play a role in sexual development and reproduction.
The pineal gland is a small gland that is located in the brain. It produces melatonin, which helps to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle.
The thymus gland is a small gland that is located in the chest. It produces thymosin, which helps the body to fight infection.
The hypothalamus is a small gland that is located at the base of the brain. It produces hormones that control the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
The endocrine system is a complex and important system that regulates many of the body’s functions. If the endocrine system is not working properly, it can lead to a variety of Health problems.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by glands in the body and travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, where they regulate many important functions, such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
What are the different types of hormones?
There are many different types of hormones, each with its own specific function. Some of the most important hormones include:
- Thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism
- Growth hormone, which stimulates growth
- Insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels
- Estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and female sexual development
- Testosterone, which regulates male sexual development and function
How do hormones work?
Hormones work by binding to receptors on cells. When a hormone binds to its receptor, it triggers a series of events inside the cell that ultimately lead to the desired effect. For example, when insulin binds to its receptor, it causes the cell to take up glucose from the bloodstream.
What are the benefits of hormones?
Hormones play a vital role in many important bodily functions. Without hormones, we would not be able to grow, reproduce, or maintain a healthy metabolism.
What are the risks of hormones?
Hormones can also have negative effects if they are not produced in the right amounts or if they are not working properly. For example, too much thyroid hormone can cause hyperthyroidism, which can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, and heart palpitations. Too little thyroid hormone can cause hypothyroidism, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin.
How can I keep my hormones balanced?
There are a number of things you can do to keep your hormones balanced, including:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
What should I do if I think I have a hormone imbalance?
If you think you have a hormone imbalance, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Hormone imbalances can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
Which of the following is not an endocrine gland?
(a) Pituitary gland
(b) Thyroid gland
(c) Adrenal gland
(d) LiverThe pituitary gland is located in the:
(a) Brain
(b) Thyroid gland
(c) Adrenal gland
(d) PancreasThe thyroid gland produces the hormone:
(a) Thyroxine
(b) Insulin
(c) Cortisol
(d) TestosteroneThe adrenal glands produce the hormone:
(a) Thyroxine
(b) Insulin
(c) Cortisol
(d) TestosteroneThe pancreas produces the hormone:
(a) Thyroxine
(b) Insulin
(c) Cortisol
(d) TestosteroneThe parathyroid glands produce the hormone:
(a) Thyroxine
(b) Insulin
(c) Cortisol
(d) Parathyroid hormoneThe pineal gland produces the hormone:
(a) Melatonin
(b) Epinephrine
(c) Norepinephrine
(d) DopamineThe hypothalamus produces the hormone:
(a) Melatonin
(b) Epinephrine
(c) Norepinephrine
(d) DopamineThe gonads produce the hormones:
(a) Estrogen and progesterone
(b) Testosterone
(c) Estrogen and testosterone
(d) All of the aboveThe endocrine system is responsible for:
(a) Regulating metabolism
(b) Regulating growth and development
(c) Regulating reproduction
(d) All of the above