Biology
Human Endocrine System
Endocrine System
Endocrine System comprises of glands which regulate body processes like metabolism, growth, blood pressure, by chemical substances called hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by cells in glands that travel in blood stream to organs to regulate their physiology and behaviour. The endocrine system monitors the amount of hormones in blood.
Parts of the endocrine system
• Hypothalamus gland is located in brain and control the endocrine system. It connects the nervous system to the endocrine system. It processes signals from nervous system and translate them to hormones that flow to the pituitary gland. It’s function is to maintain body’s internal balance, which is called homeostasis. It determines when to tell other glands including pituitary gland to produce hormones
• Pituitary gland which is the size of a pea makes hormones that controls other glands. It releases hormones that help in body processes like growth, metabolism, response to stress, reproduction etc.
• Thyroid gland, which is in the shape of a butterfly and located in front of neck is essential for metabolism
• Parathyroid glands are 4 tiny glands that control the level of calcium in the body
• Pancreas gland is essential for digestive system and also makes insulin that control sugar level in blood
• Pineal gland manages sleep cycle. It releases a hormone called melatonin which causes sleep
• Adrenal glands are 2 glands one on each kidney control blood pressure, metabolism, response to stress and sexual development
• Testes make sperm and releases the hormone testosterone
• Ovaries release sex hormones called oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone
Some disorders of Endocrine System
• Hypothyroidism happens when body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. Tiredness, weight gain, joint and muscle pains can occur
• Hyperthyroidism happens when body makes more thyroid hormone. Weight loss, sleeplessness, nervousness can occur
• Addison’s disease happens when adrenal gland doesn’t make enough hormones like cortisol
• Diabetes happens when there are high sugar levels in blood. Pancreas gland makes insulin that control sugar level in blood
• Cushing disease happens when there is too much of cortisol
• Osteoporosis happens mainly due to low oestrogen levels or low testosterone levels. There is loss of bone mass and changes in bone tissue
Some body processes controlled by endocrine system
• Growth and development
• Metabolism
• Blood pressure
• Body temperature
• Heart rate
• Sleeping cycle
• Appetite
Some hormones of endocrine system
• Insulin hormone is produced by Pancreas gland. It helps in reducing blood sugar levels
• Adrenalin hormone is produced by Adrenal gland. Increases heartrate, blood pressure when stressed
• Cortisol hormone is produced by Adrenal gland. It helps in stress response
• Thyroid hormone is produced by Thyroid gland. It controls metabolism and energy levels
• Melatonin hormone is produced by Pineal gland. It controls sleep cycles