Chapter 7

Chapter 7 – The Endocrine Glands and Hormones

Applied Learning Outcomes

Use the terminology associated with the endocrine system

Learn about hormones, glands, and their functions

Understand the aging and pathology of the endocrine system

• The endocrine system is a complex collection of hormones that coordinate many of the body’s functions.

• It is composed of glands that produce endocrine secretions.

• Endocrine secretions are cellular signals that go directly into the blood.

Overview

Chapter 7 – The Endocrine Glands and Hormones

The Endocrine Glands – Pituitary and Pineal

Chapter 7 – The Endocrine Glands and Hormones

The pituitary gland is known as the master endocrine gland because its numerous hormones control most of the other endocrine glands and is intimately linked to the overall coordination of the body’s organ systems.

The pineal gland is responsible for producing melatonin and serotonin.

The Endocrine Glands - Adrenal

The adrenal glands are made up of an outer cortex and an inner medulla.

The adrenal cortex produces corticosteroids and androgens. The adrenal medulla produces adrenaline and noradrenaline.

Chapter 7 – The Endocrine Glands and Hormones

The Endocrine Glands – Thyroid and Parathyroid

The thyroid gland helps control the metabolic rate.

The parathyroid gland increases calcium levels in the blood.

Chapter 7 – The Endocrine Glands and Hormones

The Endocrine Glands – Pancreas and Thymus

Chapter 7 – The Endocrine Glands and Hormones

pancreas

The pancreas produces hormones and digestive enzymes.

The thymus gland produces secretions that stimulate the immune system.

The Endocrine Glands - Gonads

Gonad: An organ of the reproductive system

Testis: The male gonad; produces sperm and testosterone

Ovary: The female gonad; produces eggs, estrogen, and progesterone

Chapter 7 – The Endocrine Glands and Hormones

Wellness and Illness over the Life Span

Chapter 7 – The Endocrine Glands and Hormones

Endocrine disorders are the result of either the overproduction or underproduction of one or more hormones. The number of endocrine disorders is vast, as are the numbers of possible causes of abnormal hormone production.

Changes in hormone production contribute to aging. Most hormones decrease in amounts as adults age due to a natural decrease in the size of the endocrine glands, which is precipitated by the diminished blood flow through the capillaries that accompanies human aging.

Summary

• The endocrine system is composed of glands that produce endocrine secretions.

• There are 10 distinct endocrine glands.

• A hormone is any secretion that signals a cell to alter its metabolism.

• Hormones work by attaching to receptors on target cells.

• Most endocrine secretions control the body through negative feedback.

Chapter 7 – The Endocrine Glands and Hormones