Endocrine
glands and hormones:
1. Hypothalamus
The
Hypothalamus is a small portion of the Brain just below the thalamus. It is the
neural control centre for all endocrine systems. Hormones released by the
hypothalamus are,
1. Thyrotropin-releasing
hormone (TRH)
2. Dopamine
3. Growth
hormone-releasing hormone
4. Growth
hormone-inhibiting hormone
5. Gonadotropin-releasing
hormone
6. Corticotropin-releasing
hormone
7. Vasopressin
Action and Function:
1. Thyrotropin-releasing
hormone = Anterior pituitary gland (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) = Thyroid
gland (T3 and T4) = Function (Growth and development)
2. Dopamine
= Neurotransmitter = Lack of dopamine leads to Parkinson’s disease
3. Growth
hormone-releasing hormone = Anterior pituitary gland = Growth hormone
4. Somatostatin
(Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone) = Anterior pituitary gland = Inhibit Growth
hormone & inhibit Thyroid-stimulating hormone
5. Gonadotropin-releasing
hormone = Anterior pituitary gland = Gonadotropin (Follicle-stimulating hormone
& luteinizing hormone).
6. Corticotropin-releasing
hormone = Anterior pituitary gland = Adrenocorticotropic hormone = Adrenal
gland (Cortisol) Function (Stress response)
7. Vasopressin
(Antidiuretic hormone) – Function (Water retention and constrict blood
vessels).
2. Pineal Gland
The pineal gland (pineal body) is a small gland located in the centre of the
brain. Produce Melatonin (Regulates sleep) it is also an antioxidant.
3. Pituitary Gland
The pituitary
gland is a small gland located at the base of the brain. Hormones
released by the pituitary gland are,
1. Thyroid-stimulating
hormone
2. Adrenocorticotropic
hormone
3. Gonadotropin
(follicle-stimulating hormone & luteinizing hormone)
4. Growth
hormone
5. Prolactin
(Stimulate milk synthesis)
6. Melanocyte-stimulating
hormone (Stimulate melanin synthesis)
7. Oxytocin
(Uterine contraction during delivery)
8. Vasopressin
4. Thyroid Gland
The thyroid
gland is located in the neck just below Adam’s apple. It secretes thyroid
hormone (T3 and T4)
5. Parathyroid
Parathyroid
glands are totally four small glands located in the neck just behind the thyroid
gland, it secrets parathyroid hormone that maintains the calcium and phosphate
level.
6. Pancreas
The pancreas is
a part of the digestive organ; it is located in the abdomen cavity behind the
stomach. It secrets the most important hormone called Insulin and also the
Pancreatic juice that assists digestion and absorption of nutrients in the
small intestine.
7. Adrenal Gland
Adrenal glands
are located just above the kidneys. It secretes Adrenaline, steroid hormone
(aldosterone) and Cortisol
8. Testes
The testes are
the male gonad, the primary function is the production of sperm and to produce
testosterone.
9. Ovary
The ovary is
the female gland, the primary function is the production of egg cells (Ovum), It
secrets progesterone & estrogen hormone important for the regulation of
ovulation and menstruation.