ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

WHAT IS THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

• The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood.

FUN FACTS

• There are eight major glands that make up the endocrine system.
• Like the nervous system, the endocrine system is an information signal system.
• Diabetes is a disorder of the endocrine system which is marked by the stoppage in the production of insulin, which regulates the blood sugar levels.

FUN FACTS

• The consumption of alcohol leaves widespread affects on the functioning of the system.
• The glands found in your body are grouped into two categories, endocrine glands and exocrine glands.
• Instead of performing lab tests on typical lab animals like mice and Guinea pigs, in the early 20th centuries many endocrine system studies were conducted on dogs.

HYPOTHALAMUS

• The hypothalamus is responsible for certain metabolic processes.
• It's located in your brain and it releases hypothalamic hormones that stimulate the secretion of pituitary hormones.

PITUITARY GLANDS

• The pituitary glands produces hormones and releases them into your bloodstream.
• It's also located in the brain. It releases the adrenocorticotropic hormone which stimulates the adrenal glands.

THYMUS GLAND

• The thymus glands contain glandular tissue and produce several hormones.
• It's closer in association with the immune system than the endocrine system.
• It's located in between the lungs.

THYROID GLAND

• The thyroid affects food metabolism, mood, and sexual function.
• When a thyroid produces too much hormone, the body uses energy faster than it should.
• It's located in your neck.

PARATHYROID

• The parathyroid controls the body's calcium level.
• They are four tiny glands that are located in your neck. Each gland is the size of a grain of rice.

ADRENALS

• The adrenals produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, sugar levels, and blood pressure. It also helps your body's reaction to stress.
• The adrenal glands are controlled by the pituitary glands.
• It's located on top of the kidneys.

PANCREAS

• The pancreas is part of the digestive system. It produces important enzymes and hormones that help break down food.
• The glands also produce hormone insulin and secretes into the bloodstream.
• It's located near the stomach.

OVARIES

• The ovaries produce and release eggs into the female reproductive tract.
• They also produce the female hormones estrogen, and progesterone.
• It's part of the uterus.

TESTES

• The testes make and store sperm and produce testosterone.
• Testosterone is the male hormone that's responsible for the changes that occur during puberty.
• It's located behind the penis.