- · It regulates the water in the blood by controlling the solute concentration.
- · During delivery of the newborn the endocrine system regulates uterine contraction and it is the one that stimulates the release of milk from the breast of the mother.
- · The endocrine system regulates growth, metabolism, and tissue maturation. It also helps to regulate the temperature of the body and mental functions like maturation of behavior.
- · The endocrine system regulates sodium, potassium, and calcium concentrations in the blood.
- · The endocrine system assist in regulating the heart rate and the blood pressure and it also helps prepare the body in a physically challenged task.
- · The endocrine system regulates the sugar levels and other nutrient levels in the blood.
- · The endocrine system regulates the formation and actions of immune cells.
- · The endocrine system controls reproductive functions of the reproductive system in males and females.
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Phot Courtesy of:
http://scienceblogs.com/clock/2006/06/bio101_lecture_6_physiology_re.php
Endocrine Glands
Endocrine glands also called as
Ductless glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream these glands make up the
Endocrine system. These are the following:
Pituitary Gland
This is the most important of all
endocrine glands for this gland secretes 9 or more hormones that target other
glands to stimulate these glands to release their hormones. It also directly controls
the body functions, such as growth. The pituitary gland is being controlled by
the hypothalamus.
Pineal gland
This is a tiny gland that secretes
the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is what they call the body’s internal clock. This
hormone is the reason of drowsiness at night because this hormone elevates during
night and falling around midday. This is the work of the hypothalamus which
relayed the variations in light levels to the pineal gland.
Thyroid gland
This gland secretes three hormones,
the Thyroxine, Triiodothyronine, and Calcitonin.
Thyroxine andTriiodothyronine increases
the entire body cells metabolic rate and the pace of cell division. Calcitonin
in the other hand decreases calcium levels in the blood by inhibiting
osteoclast which breaks down of the bone calcium.
Parathyroid glands
This gland is embedded in the
posterior part of the thyroid gland . the four tiny parathyroid glands secretes
the hormone parathyroid hormone which is
the opposite of the hormone calcitonin. Parathyroid hormone stimulates osteoclast
to breakdown bones that increases the calcium levels in the blood.
Thymus gland
This glands produces hormones that
helps to the normal development of T-Lymphocytes and the immune response. This gland
is most active in children.
Other Organs have significant
areas of endocrine tissue and are also considered as endocrine organs. These are
the followings:
Pancreas
The pancreas has an endocrine
portion which releases insulin and glucagon. Insulin and glucagon are the ones responsible
of maintaining stable blood glucose levels.
Adrenal glands
This is the hats of the kidneys.
The two adrenal glands are divided into two parts. The outer cortex which
secretes steroid hormones the corticosteroids that controls metabolism and
reduce stress and mineralocorticoids control level of potassium and sodium in
the blood. The inner adrenal medulla secretes two hormones, the adrenaline and noradrenaline,
which works swiftly to help the body deal with stress and produces the ‘fight
and flight’ reaction.
Ovaries and testes
These two sex organs also secretes
hormones; oestrogen and progesterone by the ovaries and testosterone by the testes that equalized
or control secondary sexual characteristics and stimulates sex-cell production.
Books:
- Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology 5th Edition by Seeley, Stephens, and Tate
- Guide to the human body by Richard Walker
