Endocrine System: The endocrine system is crucial for our bodies survival. It helps regulate our bodies growth, water balance, reproduction, metabolism, calcium and glucose levels, and response to stress. The endocrine system is a series of glands (pituitary, testes, ovaries, thyroid, pancreas, parathyroids, adrenals) which secrete hormones (products that deliver messages to the body) directly into the bloodstream influencing our lives in many ways.
Endocrine Glands
Pituitary Gland: This gland produce and releases hormones that regulate many endocrine glands. It is also responsible for the production of growth hormones. It is divided into three lobes: the anterior lobe, the intermediate lobe, and the posterior lobe. Pineal Gland: This gland releases melatonin, which is involved with the circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycles). Hypothalamus: This gland makes hormones that help control the pituitary gland. It also makes hormones that are stored in the pituitary gland. (All three glands are in picture to the right) Adrenal Glands: These glands release epinephrine and nonepinephrine into the bloodstream. This helps the body deal with stress. Testis: The testes produces testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for sperm production and males secondary sex characteristics. Ovary: The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is needed for the development of females secondary sex characteristics and for the development of eggs. Progesterone prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg. Pancreas: The pancreas helps produce insulin and glucagon. This regulates the level of glucose in the blood. Thyroid: This gland produces thyroxine. Thyroxine helps regulate metabolism. Picture Sources: picture of pituitary, hypothalamus, and pineal gland: http://www.google.com/imgres?q=pineal+gland+britannica&hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1463&bih=687&tbm=isch&tbnid=EoHjYBrbjUZnfM:&imgrefurl=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/media/128776/The-human-pineal-gland-is-located-behind-the-third-cerebral&docid=CbOmwqBY5prosM&imgurl=http://media-1.web.britannica.com/eb-media/39/115939-004-14730AAF.jpg&w=400&h=300&ei=tqOhUIPCFIbMqAGpv4HQDQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=4&vpy=157&dur=65&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=94&ty=79&sig=114981302416710996734&page=1&tbnh=150&tbnw=206&&ndsp=26&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:71 picture of adrenal glands: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/media/121578/Human-adrenal-gland picture of testes: http://www.web-books.com/eLibrary/Medicine/Physiology/Endocrine/Endocrine.htm picture of ovary: http://besthealth.bmj.com/x/topic/392705/what-is-it.html picture of pancreas: http://www.uchospitals.edu/online-library/content=CDR62957 picture of thyroid: http://www.abc.net.au/health/library/stories/2005/06/16/1831822.htm#.UKGlNxwk_KY |
Picture of Gland
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