Endocrine System Brief Description
Excerpts from previous naturopathy assignments HLT60512. Role of Endocrine system
The hypothalamus releases, inhibits and regulates pituitary gland release of hormones. These are fat soluble or water soluble and get released to receptor sites on cells to adjust their functions e.g. the rate of a muscle cell will increase its contraction with adrenaline (Lumen Learning.Com)
Metabolism
Many endocrine organs are involved in metabolism, they’re mainly the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal cortex and medulla, and pancreas. A few examples are the thyroids role in increasing or decreasing blood Ca2+ and metabolism, growth, and development. The adrenal cortex secretion of aldosterone with increases Na+ levels and secretion of K+, and cortisol which increasing blood glucose levels. The pancreas increases glucagon or insulin, and produces enzymes to metabolise food (Lumen Learning.Com)
Hormone production and reproduction in Females and Males
Organs involved in reproduction in Males and females are the Hypothalamus, pituitary anterior & posterior, adrenal glands, and the ovaries and testes.
Females
The pituitary gland produces oxytocin which produces uterine contractions and milk secretion. The anterior secretes prolactin (PRL) for milk production and initiates Ovulation (the menstrual cycle). secretion of progesterone luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates ovulation. From the ovaries oestrogen promotes uterine lining growth; female secondary sexual characteristics and progestin’s promote and maintain uterine lining growth (Lumen Learning.Com)
Males Pituitary gland releases Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for gamete production (sperm). Oxytocin stimulates ductus deferens and prostate gland contraction during emission. Testes make androgens and testosterone and regulate and maintain sperm production and male secondary sexual characteristics (Lumen Learning.Com).
Dot Points. The Endocrine System
Endocrine system:
Hormone transmission via feedback loop from the body.
Thyroid and parathyroid
Vitamin D absorption and metabolism
Adrenal glands
Communicates stress levels in Hypothalamus Pituitary Adrenal axis
Produces adrenaline regulated by the Thalamus in response to SNS ‘Fight or Flight response
Pancreas
Exocrine: excretes enzymes that break down the proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids in food.
Endocrine: secretes insulin and glucagon to control blood sugar levels
Pituitary gland
Releases Catecholamine hormones such as dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and cortisol to adrenal glands.
Releases growth hormone, which regulates growth, metabolism and body composition.
Pineal gland
Produces serotonin-derived hormone melatonin to modulate circadian rhythm and sleep patterns
Thymus gland.
Part of the lymphatic system which regulates the immune system.
Heather Indiana Rose
Copyright 2019