The endocrine system functions consist of hormone-producing and secreting glands. The chemicals produced in the body that regulate the activity of cells or organs. These hormones regulate body growth, metabolism (physical and chemical processes of the body) and sexual development and function. Hormones released into the bloodstream and can affect one or several organs throughout the body. Hormones chemical messengers create with the body. They transmit information from one set of cells to another to coordinate the functions of different parts of the body.
The main glands of the endocrine system are hypothalamus. The pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pineal gland and reproductive organs (ovaries and testes). The pancreas is also part of this system; plays a role in the production of hormones, as well as indigestion.
Endocrine system functions
The endocrine system regulates from feedback in the same way a thermostat regulates the room temperature. In the case of hormones that regulate from the pituitary gland, the signal sends from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland in the form of a “releasing hormone” that stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete the “stimulating hormone” into the circulation. The stimulating hormone then signals the target hormone secretion hormone. When the level of this hormone increases in the circulation, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland release hormone releasing and stimulating hormone, which in turn slows down secretion by the target gland. This system causes a stable concentration of hormones regulated by the pituitary gland.
The hypothalamus is pinpoint in the lower, central part of the brain. This part of the brain is important in regulating satiety, metabolism and body temperature. In addition, it secretes hormones that stimulate or inhibit the release of hormones in the pituitary gland. Many of these hormones release hormones that secrete into the artery (the pituitary system) that transports them directly to the pituitary gland. In the pituitary, these releasing hormones are responsible for secretion of stimulating hormones. The hypothalamus also hidden a hormone called somatostatin, which causes the pituitary gland to terminate the release of growth hormone.
The pituitary gland
The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain under the hypothalamus and is not larger than the peas. It usually considers the most significant part of the endocrine system because it produces hormones that control many functions of other endocrine glands. When the pituitary gland does not produce one or more hormones or there are not enough, it knows as pituitary hypotension. The pituitary gland divides into two parts: the front panel and the posterior panel. The frontal patch produces the following hormones that regulate with the hypothalamus:
Growth hormone: stimulates the growth of bones and tissues (growth hormone deficiency causes growth failure, growth hormone deficiency in adults causes problems with maintaining the proper amount of fat tissue and muscle and bone mass, as well as affects the emotional well-being).
Thyrotropin hormone (TSH): stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (the lack of thyroid hormones due to a pituitary or thyroid defect is called hypothyroidism). Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) hormone: Stimulates the adrenal glands to produce several related steroid hormones. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): Hormones that control sexual function and the production of sex steroids, estrogen and progesterone in women or testosterone in men
Prolactin: A hormone that stimulates milk production in females
The hind flap produces the following hormones that are not regulated by the hypothalamus.
Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin):
Controls the loss of water through the kidneys
Oxytocin: Endures the uterus during labor and stimulates milk production
The hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary gland are actually produced in the brain and transmitted through the nerves to the pituitary gland. They store in the pituitary gland.