UNIVERSITY OF PERETUAL HELP CALAMBA CAMPUS

GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

ENDOCRINE GLANDS

DEL VALLE, KATHLEEN U. MR. TAC-AN

BSIE/1B AUGUST 27, 2015

Endocrine glandsare glands of the endocrine system that secrete their products, hormones, directly into

the blood rather than through a duct. The major glands of the endocrine system include

the pineal gland, pituitary gland ,   pancreas ,   ovaries ,   testes , thyroid gland ,   parathyroid

gland, hypothalamus and adrenal glands. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland

are neuro endocrine organs . Local chemical messengers, not generally considered part

of the endocrine system, include autocrines, which act on the cells that secrete them,

and paracrines , which act on a different cell type nearby.

The ability of a target cell to respond to a hormone depends on the presence of

receptors, within the cell or on its plasma membrane, to which the hormone can bind.

Hormone receptors are dynamic structures. Changes in number and sensitivity of

hormone receptors may occur in response to high or low levels of stimulating hormones.

Blood levels of hormones reflect a balance between secretion and

degradation/excretion. The liver and kidneys are the major organs that degrade

hormones; breakdown products are excreted in urine and feces.

Hormone half-life and duration of activity are limited and vary from hormone to

hormone.

Major endocrine glands

Gland Function

Hypothamlus

(1)

The hypothalamus is situated in the brain, at the base of the optic

chiasm and is attached to the pituitary via a stalk-like structure. It acts

as a collecting centre for information concerned with the internal well

being of the body and uses much of this information to regulate the

secretion of the hormones produced by the pituitary.

Pituitary (1) The pituitary gland is an important gland and it is often referred to as

the 'master gland', because it controls several of the other hormone

glands. It is usually about the size of a pea and is situated in a bony

hollow beneath the base of the brain and just behind the bridge of your

nose. The gland consists of two parts (often called lobes) each of which

has different functions. The pituitary gland is also sometimes called the

Hypophysis.

Thyroid (1) &

parathyroid (4)

The thyroid gland is situated in the front part of the neck, near the

windpipe. Embedded in the rear surface of this gland are four

parathyroid glands. The thyroid gland controls many body functions,

including heart rate, temperature and metabolism. Both these glands

play a role in the metabolism of calcium in the body.

Adrenals (2) The adrenal glands (each of which weighs about 4 grams and is about

the size of your thumb) are situated just above the kidneys and consist

of two parts, the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex. These glands

produce hormones which are essential for life and help us cope with

stress.

Pineal (1) The pineal gland is a tiny body located at the base of the brain. It

produces the hormone melatonin.

 

Other organs in the body containing endocrine tissue 

Gland Function

Kidneys (2) The kidneys are situated near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage.

These glands control the blood fluid and mineral levels within the body by

processing the blood to remove waste products and any excess fluid.

 Ovaries (2) The ovaries are situated either side of the uterus. In addition to containing

the egg cells necessary for reproduction, they produce the hormones

Oestrogen and Progesterone which are necessary for menstruation and

producing the other female sexual characteristics.

 Testes (2) The testes are situated in a pouch that hangs outside the male body. They

produce the hormones necessary for the production of sperm and the other

male sexual characteristics.

 Pancreas (

1)

In addition to its digestive functions, cells in the pancreas regulate the blood

sugar that provides the body with energy.

UNIVERSITY OF PERETUAL HELP CALAMBA CAMPUS

GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY

ENDOCRINE GLANDS

KELLY JOHN C. CURSO AUG.27, 2015

BSIE-1B MR, TAC-AN

Endocrine gland

A gland that secretes a substance (a hormone) into the bloodstream. The endocrine glands are "glands of internal secretion." They include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid, parathyroid glands,

heart (which makes atrial-natriuretic peptide), the stomach and intestines, islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, the adrenal glands, the kidney (which makes renin, erythropoietin, and calcitriol), fat cells (which make leptin). the testes, the ovarian follicle (estrogens) and the corpus luteum in the ovary).

MAJOR ENDOCRINE GLANDS

Pituitary GlandThis gland is often referred to as the "master gland." It greatly influences

other organs in the body, and its function is vital to the overall well-being of a person. The pituitary gland produces several hormones. In fact, the front part of it, commonly called the anterior pituitary, produces the following types of hormones:

HYPOTHALMUSThe hypothalamus is a section of the brain responsible for the production of many of the body’s essential hormones, chemical substances that help control different cells and organs. The hormones from the hypothalamus govern physiologic functions such as temperature regulation, thirst, hunger, sleep, mood, sex drive, and the release of other hormones within the body. This area of the brain houses the pituitary gland and other glands in the body.Although this portion of the brain is small in size, it is involved in many necessary processes of the body including behavioral, autonomic (involuntary or unconscious), and endocrine functions, such as metabolism and growth and development.

THYMUSThis gland secretes hormones that are commonly referred to as humoral factors and are important during puberty. The role of these hormones is to make sure a person develops a healthy immune system.

PINEAL GLANDThe pineal gland releases melatonin, which helps the body recognize when it is time to go to sleep. Researchers continue to learn more about this gland.

TESTES Found in men, this gland produces testosterone, which promotes the growth of the penis as a male gets older as well as facial and body hair. It also deepens the voice of a male at a certain age. Other functions of testosterone include:- Maintaining sex drive- Promoting production of sperm- Maintaining healthy levels of muscle and bone mass

OVARIESFound in women, this gland produces both estrogen and progesterone, which promote the development of breasts. They also help a woman maintain healthy menstrual periods.

THYROIDFound in both women and men, the thyroid controls a person's metabolism. It is located in the front of the neck.

ADRENAL GLANDSThis gland helps to control blood sugar. In addition, also helps your body do the following:- Promoting proper cardiovascular function- Properly utilizing carbohydrates and fats- Helps distribute stored fat- Promotes healthy gastrointestinal functions

PARATHYROID

This gland is vital to proper bone development because it helps control both calcium and phosphorous levels in the body. The parathyroid gland is actually a group of four small glands located behind the thyroid gland.

PANCREASThe main function of the pancreas is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It is a large gland located behind the stomach.