How does the endocrine system regulate bodily functions. What are the main endocrine glands and hormones. How do endocrine disorders impact health. Learn about the crucial role of the endocrine system.

Overview of the Endocrine System

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs that work together to regulate various bodily functions through the production and secretion of hormones. These chemical messengers travel through the bloodstream to target specific cells and tissues, influencing processes such as metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, and mood.

The endocrine system works in close coordination with the nervous system to maintain homeostasis and respond to internal and external stimuli. While the nervous system uses electrical signals for rapid communication, the endocrine system relies on hormones for more gradual, long-lasting effects throughout the body.

Major Endocrine Glands and Their Functions

The endocrine system consists of several key glands, each responsible for producing specific hormones that regulate different bodily functions. Here are some of the major endocrine glands and their primary roles:

Hypothalamus

Located in the brain, the hypothalamus acts as a master control center for the endocrine system. It produces hormones that regulate the pituitary gland and influences various functions like body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, and emotional responses.

Pituitary Gland

Often called the “master gland,” the pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It produces hormones that control other endocrine glands and regulates growth, reproduction, and stress responses.

Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy production, and body temperature. Thyroid hormones also play a crucial role in growth and development.

Parathyroid Glands

These small glands, located behind the thyroid, produce parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium levels in the blood and bones.

Adrenal Glands

Situated atop the kidneys, the adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate stress responses, blood pressure, and metabolism. They secrete cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone, among others.

Pancreas

The pancreas functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland. Its endocrine cells produce insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels.

Reproductive Glands

The ovaries in females and testes in males produce sex hormones that regulate reproductive functions, sexual characteristics, and fertility.

Key Hormones and Their Effects

Hormones are the chemical messengers of the endocrine system, each with specific functions and target tissues. Here are some essential hormones and their primary effects:

• Growth Hormone (GH): Stimulates growth and cell reproduction
• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Regulates thyroid gland function
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Stimulates cortisol production
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Regulate reproductive functions
• Insulin: Lowers blood sugar levels
• Glucagon: Raises blood sugar levels
• Cortisol: Regulates stress responses and metabolism
• Adrenaline: Triggers “fight or flight” responses
• Estrogen and Progesterone: Female sex hormones
• Testosterone: Male sex hormone

Endocrine System Regulation and Feedback Loops

The endocrine system maintains balance through complex feedback mechanisms. These feedback loops help regulate hormone production and secretion, ensuring that hormone levels remain within appropriate ranges.

There are two main types of feedback loops in the endocrine system:

Negative Feedback

Negative feedback is the most common type of regulation in the endocrine system. In this process, the body responds to an increase in a hormone by decreasing its production. For example, when blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas secretes insulin to lower them. As blood sugar levels decrease, insulin production is reduced.

Positive Feedback

Positive feedback is less common but occurs in certain situations, such as during childbirth. In this case, the hormone oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, which in turn trigger more oxytocin release, intensifying contractions until the baby is born.

Endocrine Disorders and Their Impact on Health

Endocrine disorders occur when glands produce too much or too little of a hormone, or when the body doesn’t respond properly to hormones. These imbalances can lead to various health issues. Some common endocrine disorders include:

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2). It can lead to numerous complications if left untreated, including cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and nerve problems.

Thyroid Disorders

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can cause a wide range of symptoms affecting metabolism, heart rate, and energy levels. Thyroid disorders can impact weight, mood, and overall well-being.

Adrenal Insufficiency

Also known as Addison’s disease, this condition occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. It can cause fatigue, weakness, and difficulty regulating blood pressure and electrolytes.

Growth Hormone Deficiency

Insufficient growth hormone production can lead to stunted growth in children and various metabolic issues in adults, including decreased muscle mass and increased body fat.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common endocrine disorder in women, characterized by hormonal imbalances that can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and metabolic problems.

The Endocrine System and Mental Health

The endocrine system plays a crucial role in mental health and emotional well-being. Hormonal imbalances can significantly impact mood, cognitive function, and behavior. Some ways the endocrine system influences mental health include:

Stress Response

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates the body’s stress response through the release of cortisol. Chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of this axis, potentially contributing to anxiety and depression.

Thyroid Function

Thyroid hormones affect brain function and mood. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties.

Sex Hormones

Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels can influence mood and behavior. This is evident in conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), postpartum depression, and andropause.

Insulin and Blood Sugar

Imbalances in blood sugar levels can affect mood and cognitive function. People with diabetes may experience mood swings and irritability related to fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Lifestyle Factors Affecting Endocrine Health

Maintaining a healthy endocrine system is crucial for overall well-being. Various lifestyle factors can influence endocrine function and hormone balance:

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients supports endocrine health. Certain nutrients, such as iodine for thyroid function and vitamin D for calcium regulation, are particularly important for hormone production and gland function.

Exercise

Regular physical activity can help regulate hormone levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce stress. Exercise also supports healthy body composition, which is important for endocrine balance.

Sleep

Adequate sleep is essential for hormone regulation. Many hormones follow circadian rhythms, and disrupted sleep patterns can lead to hormonal imbalances.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can disrupt the endocrine system, particularly the HPA axis. Implementing stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help maintain hormonal balance.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in some plastics, pesticides, and personal care products may interfere with hormone function. Minimizing exposure to these substances can support endocrine health.

Emerging Research and Future Directions

The field of endocrinology continues to evolve, with ongoing research shedding light on the complex interactions between hormones and various bodily systems. Some exciting areas of current and future research include:

Endocrine Disruptors

Scientists are investigating the long-term effects of environmental endocrine disruptors on human health and exploring ways to mitigate their impact.

Precision Medicine

Advances in genetic testing and personalized medicine are enabling more targeted approaches to diagnosing and treating endocrine disorders.

Hormone Replacement Therapies

Researchers are developing new methods for hormone replacement, including bioidentical hormones and novel delivery systems, to improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.

Gut-Endocrine Axis

The relationship between gut microbiota and endocrine function is an emerging area of study, with potential implications for metabolic health and hormone regulation.

Chronobiology and Hormones

Understanding the intricate relationships between circadian rhythms and hormone secretion may lead to new approaches for managing sleep disorders and optimizing endocrine function.

As our knowledge of the endocrine system expands, so does our ability to maintain hormonal balance and treat endocrine disorders effectively. By understanding the complex interplay of glands, hormones, and bodily functions, we can better appreciate the crucial role the endocrine system plays in our overall health and well-being.

The Function of the Endocrine System

The Function of the Endocrine System – Glands & Hormones |

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The endocrine system is a specialised system that supports the body in its functionality. It can be compared to an orchestra in the sense that every musician – in this case, every gland – has its function. All musicians work together when playing or creating music. Similarly, all glands work together, monitored by the hypothalamus in the regulation of body…

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The Function of the Endocrine System – Glands and hormones

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The endocrine system is a specialised system that supports the body in its functionality. It can be compared to an orchestra in the sense that every musician – in this case, every gland – has its function. All musicians work together when playing or creating music. Similarly, all glands work together, monitored by the hypothalamus in the regulation of body functions. In short, the function of the endocrine system is that it is a network of organs that supports the regulation of the body’s functions through chemical messengers, known as hormones.

• We are going to delve into the world of the function of the endocrine system glands and hormones in psychology.
• First, we will explore the endocrine system’s organs and functions.
• We will provide a list of endocrine glands and their hormones to illustrate our discussion.
• Following this, we will also provide a glands hormones and their functions chart.
• Finally, we will discuss the various endocrine system diseases and how they affect the body.

Fig. 1 – The endocrine system has different functions.

The Function of the Endocrine System: Glands and Hormones in Psychology

The endocrine system is responsible for the production and transmission of information in the body via messenger substances called hormones. Hormones are produced in specialised organs called glands as well as in endocrine cells located in various organs throughout the body.

The endocrine system is a collection of glands across the body that secrete hormones.

The endocrine system works together with the nervous system to secrete hormones.

Hormones are chemical molecules that pass on information in the body through the bloodstream, with widespread effects.

Their main function is to control and regulate biological processes and rhythms as well as developmental processes. They can work locally or use the bloodstream to travel throughout the whole body to their effector organs.

Once released into the bloodstream, hormones keep on circulating in the body until broken down by the liver and kidneys.

Endocrine System Organs and Functions

The endocrine system transports specialised hormones to the different body parts of the blood system. The different hormones are produced by glands. The endocrine system is composed of several glands, such as the Pituitary gland, the Thyroid gland, the Pineal gland and the Gonads.

Fig. 2 – The endocrine system is comprised of different glands and hormones.

Among all components of the Endocrin system, there is an organ of special relevance, the hypothalamus.

• The hypothalamus can be considered the control centre of the endocrine system.

The hypothalamus controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland, the master gland. In this way, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are connected.

The hypothalamus is the control centre, and the pituitary gland receives orders from the hypothalamus and enacts them across the endocrine system, acting as the master gland.

Types of Glands

Glands are specialised organs that create hormones or other substances, such as tears, sweat, milk, seminal fluid or saliva. Glands can be split into two categories:

Hormones are produced in the endocrine glands in the human body. The hormones they produce have one or many effectors, meaning the organs that they affect. The endocrine glands include the:

Some hormones’ only function is to stimulate the release of other glands. These are called indirect action hormones. The glands cued to produce hormones by indirect action hormones are called target glands. Other hormones affect organs directly; these are called direct action hormones or effector hormones.

List of Endocrine Glands and their Hormones

As we discussed above, there are different types of endocrine glands. Consider the following list of endocrine glands and their hormones:

• The thyroid gland contains thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) which influence growth and metabolism.

• The pineal gland releases melatonin and is involved in sleep.

• The pancreas is in charge of the production and release of insulin, which influences blood sugar levels and stimulates the metabolism of glucose, protein and fat.

• The testicles release androgens such as testosterone, which is involved in the development of male sexual characteristics.

• The ovaries release estrogen, which supports reproductive development in females and female sexual characteristics.

• The adrenal glands secrete two types of hormones: epinephrine – which is involved in oxygen intake, blood flow and heart rates – and norepinephrine – which is involved in blood pressure, blood vessels, and glucose release.

You don’t have to learn all the different hormones for your exam, it’s enough to have a rough idea of how they work and to be able to explain two or three.

The Pituitary Gland

One of the most important glands is located in the brain; the pituitary gland, also called the master gland.

The pituitary gland controls the production and secretion of many other hormones.

Part of it, the posterior pituitary gland, is an extension of the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. It is not glandular.

The other part, the anterior pituitary gland, is glandular and connects to the posterior pituitary and contains cells that produce many hormones. These so-called releasing hormones in turn tell the target glands in the body to produce local or specialised hormones that affect another set of organs in the body.

It’s a bit like if you ordered a new games console for a friend. You (the hypothalamus) tell provider through one website what you want (pituitary). They coordinate with sellers and warehouses in different countries (target glands).

These sellers pack and send packages to your friend’s delivery address (effector organs). Now they have no more excuses and can get to playing (effect).

Glands, Hormones and their Functions Chart

Here there is a table of the different glands, and the hormones they release, together with the hormones’ functions.

Gland name	Hormone released	Function
Pituitary Gland	Anterior PG – Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)	Involved in the production of cortisol and stimulation of the adrenal glands.
	Posterior PG – Oxytocin and Vasopressin	Involved in the contraction of the uterus at birth and water conservation and blood vessels, respectively
Adrenal Gland	Adrenal Medulla – Adrenaline and Noradrenaline	Involves in the fight or flight response. Supports oxygen intake, blood flow, increased heart rate and blood pressure maintenance.
	Adrenal Cortex – Cortisol
Ovaries	Estrogen	Involved in the development of sexual characteristics in females.
	Progesterone	Involved in the preparation of the uterus and the breasts for reproductory reasons.
Testicles	Testosterone	Involved in the development of sexual characteristics in males.
Thyroid Gland	Thyroxine	Supports the body’s metabolism and also affects growth and maturation.
Thymus Gland	Thymulin	Anti-inflammatory effects, involved in T-cells.
Pineal Gland	Melatonin	Melatonin release at night supports sleep.

Endocrine System Diseases

There are certain diseases associated with failures of the endocrine system. These failures can take place due to two reasons:

1. A change in the level of hormones secreted by a gland.
2. A change in the gland’s receptors sensitivity leads to the gland not responding correctly to stimulation.

Hormone imbalance can influence several conditions, such as mood or fertility. Among the diseases associated with the endocrine system are diabetes, hypothyroidism and hypogonadism. Let’s take a look at these diseases.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic condition in which glucose concentration in the blood is high. The disease is caused by issues with insulin, which is produced in the pancreas.

There are two ways in which diabetes can occur. One is that the pancreas does not produce the necessary amount of insulin, a genetic condition, and the second is that the insulin receptors across the body present insensitivity to the hormone and less insulin is produced, a result of lifestyle choices.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the supply of thyroid hormones is low. It can be preset due to two reasons.

• On the one hand, the thyroid can be producing low levels of thyroid hormones.
• While on the other hand, it could be that the thyroid-stimulating hormone is failing to achieve its function.

The effect that hypothyroidism is manifested in symptoms of fatigue, tiredness, constipation or muscle weakness

Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism refers to a spectrum disorder characterised by insufficient sex hormones. Equally to the previous two disorders, hypogonadism can arise due to a low level of the production of the hormones, or due to an insensitivity of the organs to the hormone themselves. The effects that the disorder has, vary depending on the time at which hypogonadism is developed.

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The Function of the Endocrine System – Glands and hormones – Key takeaways

• The endocrine system is responsible for transferring information via messenger molecules called hormones through the bloodstream in the body, similar to neurotransmitters.
• Hormones have widespread effects across the body, and binding to any type of receptors that match up with the hormone.
• The endocrine system has long-term and long-lasting effects on the regulation of biological processes.
• Endocrine glands are organs specialised in producing hormones. Examples of endocrine glands include the thyroid, thymus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, pancreas, testicles, ovaries and adrenal glands.
• There are certain diseases associated with the endocrine system malfunctioning, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism and hypogonadism.

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References

1. Fig. 2: Endocrine system diagram by Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). 3.5 The Endocrine System. In Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/3-5-the-endocrine-system.
2. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Function of the Endocrine System – Glands and hormones

The endocrine system is the system responsible for the production and transmission of information in the body via messenger substances called hormones. These are produced in specialised organs called glands as well as in endocrine cells located in various organs throughout the body. Hormones are chemical molecules that pass on information in the body. 

Pineal gland: melatonin.
Pituitary gland: Adrenocortical trophic hormone & Oxytocin.

Thyroid gland: Thyroxine.

Adrenal gland: Adrenaline, noradrenaline.

Glands are specialised organs whose function is to produce hormones.  

Some of the endocrine system’s glands and hormones are the following:

• The thyroid gland releases thyroxine.

• The pineal gland releases melatonin.

• The pancreas releases insulin.

• The testicles release testosterone.

• The ovaries release estrogen and progesterone.

• The adrenal glands secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine. 

Diabetes, hypothyroidism and hypogonadism.

Final The Function of the Endocrine System – Glands and hormones Quiz

The Function of the Endocrine System – Glands and hormones Quiz – Teste dein Wissen

Question

What’s the main function of the endocrine system?

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Answer

The main function of the endocrine system is the transmission of information through hormones throughout the body.

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Question

What are three diseases related to the endocrine system?

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Answer

Diabetes, hypothyroidism and hypogonadism.

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Question

The main function of testosterone is to _______.

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Answer

Develop sexual characteristics in males.

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Question

True or False: The pituitary gland is the master gland.

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Answer

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Question

Does the thyroid gland take part in metabolism?

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Answer

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Question

True or False: Hormones have one function in the body.

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Answer

False.

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Question

Which of these is not a hormone function?

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Answer

Urine-intake.

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Question

What are glands?

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Answer

Glands are specialised organs that create hormones or other substances such as tears, sweat, milk, seminal fluid or saliva.

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Question

If a gland produces a substance that is released via ducts, it is an ________ gland.

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Answer

Exocrine.

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Question

Which are the major endocrine glands ?

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Answer

The pituitary gland, the pineal gland, the thyroid gland, the adrenal gland, the pancreas, the ovary and the testicles.

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Question

What’s an effector?

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Answer

An effector is an organ that a substance works on, producing an effect.

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Question

True or False: Hormones have widespread effects across the body.

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Answer

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Question

True or False: Indirect action hormones is a hormone that facilitates direct action hormones

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Answer

False.

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Question

The ___ pituitary gland is part of the brain.  

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Answer

Posterior.

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Question

Which are the hormones involved in the fight or flight response?

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Answer

Adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol.

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Question

What is the main function of adrenaline?

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Answer

To support oxygen intake, blood flow, increased heart rate and blood pressure maintenance.

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Question

Which organs of the body break down hormones?

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Answer

The liver and kidneys break down hormones in the bloodstream.

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Hormones and Endocrine Function | Endocrine Society

Hormones and Endocrine Function | Endocrine Society

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Patient Resources

January 24, 2022

Hormones are are the body’s chemical messengers, sending signals into the bloodstream and tissues.  Hormones work slowly, over time, and affect many different processes, including growth and development, metabolism – how your body gets energy from the foods you eat- sexual function, reproduction, and mood. When glands do not produce the right amount of hormones, diseases develop that can affect many aspects of life. 

Some factors that affect endocrine organs include puberty, aging, pregnancy, the environment, genetics and certain diseases and medications, including naturopathic medicine, herbal supplements, and prescription medicines such as opioids or steroids. Hormones are vital to your health and well-being. 

Hormone stability can be a delicate balancing act, which is why you want to work with a hormone specialist. If you suspect hormone or endocrine-related problems get help from an endocrinologist near you.

 

Endocrine Library >>

• Adrenal gland secretes steroid hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. It also makes precursors that can be converted to sex steroids such as androgen, estrogen. Learn more about adrenal disorders that can be caused by too much or too little of a particular hormone.

  Adrenal Hormones

• Found deep inside the brain, the hypothalamus produces releasing and inhibiting hormones and controls the “master gland”— the pituitary. Together, the hypothalamus and pituitary tell the other endocrine glands in your body to make the hormones that affect and protect every aspect of your health.

  Brain Hormones

• Several organs play a major role in helping the endocrine system to work well. Although these organs are not glands themselves, they do produce, store, and send out hormones that help the body to function properly and maintain a healthy balance.

  Endocrine-related Organs and Hormones

• Pancreas plays a crucial role in converting food into energy for cells and digestion. Learn what happens when too much or too little of the hormones glucagon and insulin affect the endocrine system.

  Pancreas Hormones

• Reproductive hormones play a big role in sexual development, weight, energy and fertility. Puberty, menstruation, sperm development and even menopause Learn more about the common hormones and disorders that impact both women and men.

  Reproductive Hormones

• Thyroid gland uses iodine from food to make two thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, whereas the parathyroid glands produces hormones that control calcium. Learn how too much or too little can affect endocrine function.

  Thyroid and Parathyroid Hormones

• This resource will help you decode the most important hormones and explain how changes in hormone levels can affect your body and your well-being.

  Download the Essential Guide to Hormones

• Descifraremos las hormonas más importantes del organismo humano y explicaremos de qué manera los cambios en los niveles hormonales pueden afectar su organismo y su bienestar.

  Descargar Guia Esencial De Sus Hormonas

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LEAGUE | What is the endocrine system?

The endocrine system in children is a very complex and sensitive mechanism.

The children’s body grows and forms, so the children’s endocrine glands work a little differently than in adults. The endocrine system is the center that regulates the work of the entire body of the child, this happens with the help of hormones that are produced by the glands.

When this process fails or problems develop, various diseases of the endocrine system develop.

The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce hormones. Hormones are the chemical messengers of the endocrine system. They carry information and instructions from one set of cells to another. The endocrine system affects almost every cell, organ and function in our body.

What does the endocrine system do?

Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the blood. This allows the hormones to move to the cells of other parts of the body, taking part in every process that takes place in the body. Hormones help control mood, growth and development, organ function, metabolism, and sexual function.

The endocrine system regulates the amount of hormone released depending on the levels of hormones already in the blood or on the levels of other substances in the blood, such as calcium. Hormone levels are affected by many factors, such as stress, infections, and changes in fluid and mineral balance in the blood.

Too much or too little of any hormone can harm the body. Medicines can solve many of these problems.

What are the parts of the endocrine system?

While many parts of the body produce hormones, the main glands that make up the endocrine system are:

The pancreas is part of the endocrine system and digestive system because it releases hormones into the bloodstream and also makes and releases enzymes in the digestive tract.

Hypothalamus : The hypothalamus is located in the lower central part of the brain. It links the endocrine system and the nervous system. Nerve cells in the hypothalamus produce chemicals that control the release of hormones released by the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus collects information perceived by the brain (such as ambient temperature, light, and sensations) and sends it to the pituitary gland. This information affects the hormones that the pituitary gland produces and secretes.

Pituitary gland: The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and is no larger than a pea. Despite its small size, the pituitary gland is often referred to as the “master gland”. The hormones it produces control many other endocrine glands.

The pituitary gland produces many hormones, such as:

• growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of bones and other body tissues and plays a role in the body’s processing of nutrients and minerals;

• prolactin, which activates milk production in lactating women;

• thyrotropin, which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones;

• corticotropin, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce certain hormones;

• antidiuretic hormone, which helps control the body’s water balance through effects on the kidneys;

• oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions that occur during childbirth.

The pituitary gland also releases endorphins, chemicals that act on the nervous system and reduce the feeling of pain. The pituitary gland also secretes hormones that signal the reproductive organs to produce sex hormones. The pituitary gland also controls ovulation and the menstrual cycle in women.

Thyroid: The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck. It has the shape of a butterfly. Produces the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones control the rate at which cells burn fuel from food to produce energy. The more thyroid hormones in the blood, the faster the chemical reactions in the body.

Thyroid hormones are important because they help the bones of children and teens grow and develop, and they play a role in the development of the brain and nervous system.

Parathyroid Glands: Attached to the thyroid gland are four tiny glands that work together, called the parathyroid glands. They secrete parathyroid hormone, which controls calcium levels in the blood with the help of calcitonin, which is produced by the thyroid gland.

Adrenals: These are triangular paired glands located above each kidney. The adrenal glands consist of two parts, each of which produces a set of hormones and performs different functions:

1. The outer part is the adrenal cortex. It produces hormones called corticosteroids, which help control salt and water balance in the body, are involved in metabolism and in the development of stress reactions, stimulate the immune system, sexual development.

2. The inner part is the adrenal medulla. It produces catecholamines such as adrenaline, which is responsible for a quick response when the body is under stress, increases blood pressure and heart rate.

Pineal Gland: The pineal body, also called the pineal gland, is located in the middle of the brain. Produces melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate circadian rhythms and sleep patterns.

Sex glands: The sex (reproductive) glands include testicles (testicles) in men, ovaries in women. The ovaries and testicles begin to produce female and male sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone). This leads to a high growth rate of the child and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics.

In addition to reproductive function, the gonads also influence, through their own hormones, the level of blood pressure, metabolism in muscles, bones and adipose tissue, appearance (fat distribution, secondary sexual characteristics, skin and hair condition).

Pancreas: The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, which are hormones that control blood glucose levels. Insulin helps to supply the body with energy reserves, and it uses this stored energy for activity, and also helps the organs to work properly.

How do you keep your endocrine system healthy?

To keep your endocrine system healthy:

• Be physically active.

• Stick to a healthy diet.

• Go for regular medical checkups.

• Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or herbal treatments.

• Tell your doctor about any family history of endocrine problems, such as diabetes or thyroid problems.

When should I see a doctor?

Tell your doctor if you:

• I drink a lot of water, but I’m still thirsty

• having to urinate frequently

• frequent abdominal pain or nausea

• very tired or weak

• gain or lose a lot of weight

• tremors or heavy sweating

• constipation

• not growing and developing as expected

Pituitary and thyroid functions

The functions of the thyroid gland are regulated by two “superior” organs – the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.

The area of ​​the brain that combines the work of the nervous and endocrine systems is called the hypothalamus.

In turn, it synthesizes dozens of hormones that are most complex in structure and spectrum of action, but only one pituitary hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH, affects the thyroid gland.

The production of TSH is influenced by signals from the hypothalamus, which change depending on the level of thyroid hormones.

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The interacting circuit hypothalamus – pituitary gland – thyroid gland affects the hormonal background of the body, the functioning of the nervous system and internal organs.

Let us consider in more detail what are the true functions of these endocrine glands.

Functions of the pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is a gland located at the base of the brain and protected by bone tissue.

The dimensions of the pituitary gland vary within 1 cm.

The main functions of the pituitary gland are:

• control over the functional activity of the endocrine glands;
• control of organ growth and maturation;
• coordination of functions of internal organs (uterus, mammary glands, kidneys).

These functions are regulated by specific signaling hormones that affect other organs.

The pituitary gland consists of the neurohypophysis and the adenohypophysis.

The first collects oxytocin and vasopressin, hormones produced by the hypothalamus.

Oxytocin is necessary for full-fledged labor activity, since with its participation the contraction of the muscular layer of the uterus occurs, and after childbirth it promotes the formation of colostrum and milk in the woman’s body.

Vasopressin increases blood pressure, its deficiency causes diabetes insipidus.

Adenohypophysis synthesizes other types of hormones: prolactin, growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, etc.

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If the functions of the pituitary gland are impaired, the following diseases may occur:

• dwarfism, gigantism,
• Cushing’s disease,
• overactive thyroid,
• menstrual disorders,
• impotence.

The causes of dysfunction of the pituitary gland are: adenoma, craniocerebral trauma, blood flow problems in the brain, postoperative period, radiation, congenital pathologies of the pituitary gland, hemorrhage.

Functions of the thyroid gland

The functions of the gland are regulated by the pituitary gland against the background of regulation of the synthesis of thyroid-stimulating hormone with the participation of the autonomic nervous system.

The role of the thyroid gland is great. The synthesis of thyroid hormones occurs due to such an important trace element as iodine.

Its main concentration circulates in the tissues of the thyroid gland and takes part in the production of hormones – thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

The main functions of the thyroid gland are:

• control of protein synthesis;
• improving the consumption of oxygen by body tissues;
• supply of cellular structures with sugars and amino acids;
• energy nutrition of cells.

The functional well-being of the thyroid gland is dependent on the cardiovascular system, urinary system, digestive tract, sexual and reproductive functions, as well as mental activity.

The functions of the thyroid gland can be impaired by the following reasons: infections, genetic predisposition, trauma to the endocrine organ, pathological changes in blood flow in the thyroid tissue, improper hormonal therapy, environmental problems of the external environment.

Iodine deficiency in the body causes hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism.

If from an early age a child receives an insufficient amount of iodine, then he begins to show symptoms such as retardation in growth and sexual development, mental disability, and pathologies of the development of higher nervous activity.

Together, these symptoms are combined into one diagnosis – cretinism, one of the most severe complications of hypothyroidism.

If a persistent severe iodine deficiency occurs in an adult, another severe complication is formed – myxedema.

In the body there is a violation of protein metabolism, protein instead of physiological entry into the cell begins to accumulate in the intercellular space, against which the swelling of all tissues of the body is formed.

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In addition to swelling of the body and face, expressed as puffiness, myxedema leads to impaired intelligence, memory, attention, sexual desire and menstrual cycle in women.

Acceleration of oxidative processes during the breakdown of proteins and amino acids under the influence of thyroid hormones causes its depletion.

She seeks to compensate for iodine deficiency with her own growth. This causes goiter formation.

Impaired functions of the pituitary and thyroid gland, as well as diseases that have arisen on their background, can be treated with conservative therapy, which consists of prescribing hormone-containing drugs that can activate or suppress impaired functions.