Transcript Document
Unit 9: The Endocrine System
Amy J. Hilbelink, Ph.D.
Endocrine System
Objectives
Anatomy; exocrine vs. endocrine
Steroid and non-steroid hormone action
How negative and positive feedback
regulate secretions
Mechanism of action
Principle Function of glands
Conditions and treatments
Endocrine System defined
This system encompasses the
production and secretion of hormones
from the glands. The Greek word
“orme” means “to excite”. Hormones
activate specific target cells, causing a
response.
Endocrinology – the study of….
Anatomy
Exocrine glands
These are not part
of the Endocrine
system
Exocrine secrete
products into ducts
that empty onto
surface
Example: sweat
and salivary glands
Endocrine glands
Ductless
Secrete hormones
into cellular spaces,
then into blood
Hormones in blood
find a specific
receptor (target
organ cell)
Example, thyroid
gland
Anatomy
Hormones = The main regulators of
metabolism, growth and development,
reproduction and other important body
functions.
Endocrine glands, hormones and their
functions – Table 11-1 in text.
How Hormones work…
Non-Steroid vs. Steroid
Hormones - examples
Steroid
Non-Steroid
Sex Hormones
Androgens
Testosterone
Estrogen
Prolactin
Calcitonin
TSH
Anatomy
Negative Feedback
Reverse deviations from normal
i.e. an in blood glucose triggers
secretion of insulin.
Insulin promotes glucose uptake by
cells.
Blood glucose level is restored to its
lower, normal level; decreased
Animations on Feedback
http://classes.midlandstech.edu/carter
p/Courses/bio211/endo3a.htm
http://classes.midlandstech.edu/carter
p/Courses/bio211/endo2a.htm
Basic Anatomy - brain
Functions of Pituitary gland
Located in the brain
The master gland of the
endocrine system
Anterior and posterior portions
Table 11-1 lists target tissues of
both anterior and posterior
Functions of Hypothalamus
Located in the brain
Links nervous system to endocrine
system
Water balance, metabolism of fat and
carbs, body temp., appetite and
emotions.
Responsible for release of ADH and
oxytocin from the pituitary gland.
Posterior gland
ADH
Oxytocin
Anterior gland
FSH
LH
Prolactin
TSH
Mechanism of Action
Conditions of pituitary and
hypothalamus gland
Hyperfunction results in
Giantism and acromegaly
Hypofunction of pituitary results
in dwarfism.
Treatments of pituitary and
hypothalamus
Removal of tumor
Growth hormone therapy
Diabetic treatments due to lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion
Functions of Pineal gland
Located in the brain.
Production and secretion of
melatonin
Targets hypothalamus
Regulates the sleep-wake cycle
Large in children, smaller in adults
Affected by light
Melatonin effects linked to beginning of
puberty and menstrual cycle
Functions of Thyroid gland
Located at the base of the neck.
Production and secretion of T4, T3 and calcitonin
Trigger rate of metabolism of proteins, fats and
sugars.
Important in growth and homeostasis of body
Calcitonin important for regulation of calcium, which
is important for muscle contractions, nerve impulses
and blood clotting.
Functions of Parathyroid gland
Located behind thyroid gland
Made up of two sets of secreting
glands
Regulate calcium levels in blood via
release of PTH.
Capable of drawing calcium from bone
to increase overall concentrations in
blood.
Conditions of parathyroid glands
Hyperparathyroidism (excess of
parathyroid hormones)
Increase of calcium into blood, away from bone,
causing bone weakening
Paget’s disease; softening of bone, and osteoporosis
Kidney stones, muscle weakness, heart conduction
changes
Hypoparathyroidism (low secretion of
parathyroid hormones)
Decrease of calcium leading to muscle spasm,
irregular heart contractions, and alteration of normal
nerve conduction.
Thyroid Diseases
Hypothyroidism
Fatigue
Frequent, heavy menstrual
periods
Forgetfulness
Weight gain
Dry, coarse skin and hair
Hoarse voice
Intolerance to cold
Hyperthyroidism
Irritability/nervousness
Muscle weakness/tremors
Infrequent, scant menstrual
periods
Weight loss
Sleep disturbances
Enlarged thyroid gland
Vision problems or eye
irritation
Heat sensitivity
Source: Cleveland Clinic:
http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/2000/2011.asp?index=8541
Functions of Adrenal gland
Located atop kidneys
Made of two separate glands
Secrete steroids and catecholamines
Adrenal Medulla – center
Secrete catecholamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine
i.e. fight or flight.
Adrenal Cortex – outer portion
Secrete glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids and the sex
hormones (androgens and estrogens).
Conditions of adrenal glands
Hypersecretion
Cushing’s syndrome ( oversecretion of glucocorticoids)
Obesity, flushing of face, hypertension, thick, scaling skin.
Overproduction usually caused by tumor
Or caused by overmedication with steroids
Hyposecretion
Caused by autoimmune disease, infections or tumors of gland.
Addison’s disease; total necrosis of adrenal gland
Fatigue, weight loss, nausea, syncope (fainting)
Results from
hypersecretion of
glucocorticoid hormone by
a tumor of the middle zone
of the adrenal cortex.
Cushing Syndrome:
Before and After
Treatment
Functions of Pancreas
The largest organ of endocrine system
Maintains energy homeostasis throughout the body.
Secretes glucagon in response to low blood sugar.
Triggers release of glucagon from liver when energy
is low.
When blood glucose is high, triggers release of
insulin which causes glucose uptake by liver, muscle
and fat.
Conditions of pancreas glands
Diabetes mellitus
Caused by inability of pancreas to secrete insulin or a
resistance to insulin, affecting glucose levels.
Can lead to renal disease, blindness, gangrene –
leading to amputation.
Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitis (IDDM)
Usually early onset
Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) * more
common
Usually adult onset
Treatments - pancreas
IDDM =insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
usually in young
Natural insulin
Synthesized human insulin
Typical insulins prescribed
NIDDM non-insulin dependent
diabetes mellitus
usually adult onset
Change of lifestyle
Insulin in more severe cases
BLOOD GLUCOSE METER
Functions of Ovaries and Testes
Two ovaries produce and secrete eggs.
Ovaries secrete estrogen and
progesterone
Secondary sex characteristics
Two testes produce and secrete sperm
FSH released as puberty begins
Testosterone – change in voice, and
muscle development.
Secondary sex characteristics
Conditions of testes
Testosterone deficiency
Delayed onset of puberty
Certain types of Anemia
Treated with testosterone
Conditions of ovaries
Estrogen deficiency
Decreased ovarian functioning
Post-menopausal osteoporosis
Treat with estrogens
Amenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Endometriosis
Treat with progesterone
Possible endocrine treatments
Surgery
Reduce Ca intake
HRT
Medication
Growth hormone replacement
Radiation
Insulin
Diet
Male hormones
Female hormones
Reflexology, just for fun…