C H R I S S C H N E I D E R

THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM FUNCTION

• A system of glands that secretes hormones directly into the blood stream to maintain homeostasis

• It is an informational signal system like the nervous system, yet its effects are different

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM, HOMEOSTASIS

• Definition - The ability of the body or a cell to seek and maintain a condition of equilibrium or stability within its internal environment when dealing with external changes• It is one of the most important aspects of the

endocrine system

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM, NEGATIVE FEEDBACK

• One of the most important features of the endocrine system is its regulation by negative feedback. This means that the glands within the endocrine system that stimulate the release of a hormone (for example, the pituitary) from another gland (for example, the thyroid) are eventually shut off, in a sense, so that too much hormone is not produced and a hormone imbalance is avoided.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM, INSULIN

• When carbohydrates are consumed, digested, and absorbed the pancreas senses the rise in blood glucose concentration and releases insulin to promote an uptake of glucose from the blood stream. • When insulin binds on the cellular insulin

receptor, it leads to a cascade of cellular processes that promote the usage or, in some cases, the storage of glucose in the cell.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM, INSULIN

• Insulin signal transduction pathways are composed of trigger mechanisms that serve as signals throughout the cell. • There is also a counter mechanism in the body to

stop the secretion of insulin beyond a certain limit. 

TYPE I DIABETESENDOCRINE SYSTEM

• Type I diabetes is an immune disorder in which the body attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body cannot produce insulin and glucose stays in the blood, where it damages all the organ systems.• There is definitely a genetic risk factor associated

with type I diabetes. In fact, research has identified a total of 18 genes related to type I diabetes.

TYPE II DIABETESENDOCRINE SYSTEM

• Type II diabetes is a disorder in which either the body does not produce enough insulin, or the cells ignore the insulin. Similar to type I diabetes, type II causes a build-up of glucose in the blood which damages the body’s organ systems.• The genetic connection in diabetes type II is

stronger than in type I diabetes. In addition, type II diabetes is also more dependent on environmental triggers.

SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES I & IIENDOCRINE SYSTEM

• Extreme thirst• Frequent urination• Lethargy / drowsiness• Breath odor (fruity, sweet or wine-like)• Sugar in urine• Sudden vision changes, blurred vision• Increased appetite, constant hunger• Sudden weight loss• Heavy, labored breathing

PREVALENCE OF DIABETESENDOCRINE SYSTEM

• Already considered the leading U.S. health crisis, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in some areas of the country, especially in New York City. In fact, according to The New York Times, one-eighth of the city’s residents suffer from the disease.• Caucasians have the highest rate of type I

diabetes.• Type I diabetes occurs more often during winter

than summer. In addition, type I diabetes is more common in cold climates.

TREATMENT OPTIONSENDOCRINE SYSTEM

• Eat Healthy

• Take Insulin

• Monitor glucose levels

GROWTH DISORDERS

• This happens when the pituitary gland releases the wrong amount of a hormone called somatotropin.• People are either very small or very large• Signs are when the child isn’t growing correctly

and only a trained specialist can correctly diagnose the patient.• Some countries report 1 in 10,000 have GHD

while some say 1 in 3,500.• Treatment involves growth hormone injections by

a trained specialist.