endocrine system Flashcards
Main Purpose of the Endocrine System
To maintain HOMEOSTASIS in body through hormones.
involved in growth, development, and sexual function/reproduction
what are Glands
clusters of specialized cells that secrete or produce hormones
Endocrine System is made of? what does it do?
glands
release hormones directly into the bloodstream
travel throughout body to` reach target organs
list the glands
Pineal gland
Pituitary gland (master gland)
Thyroid gland
Thymus gland
Adrenal gland
Pancreas
Ovaries (F)
Testes (M)
what are hormones
Chemicals secreted by endocrine glands
Influence target cells, “lock & key”
function of hormones
Regulate activities of organs and glands
Regulate metabolic processes involving fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
Regulate water and electrolyte balance
Important role in growth & reproduction
Hypothalamus
Part of the brain
“CONTROL CENTRE”
Secretes hormones
Hormones produced here control or inhibit release of other hormones
Pituitary Gland
Located at the base of the brain
“MASTER GLAND”
Releases hormones to regulate release of other hormones in glands and organs
Divided in anterior pituitary gland and posterior pituitary gland
Anterior Pituitary Gland secretes
Growth Hormone:
growth of muscles, bones, and other organs
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH):
thyroid gland function
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH):
Stimulates the adrenal gland
Reproductive Hormones:
Regulates growth, development, and function of reproductive system
Posterior Pituitary Gland secretes
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH):
Prevents kidneys from excreting excessive amounts of water
Oxytocin:
Causes the uterine muscles to contract during childbirth
Thyroid Gland
Butterfly shaped gland in the neck
Secretes 2 thyroid hormones and calcitonin
T3 & T4:
Regulate metabolism
Proper functioning of other hormones
Maturation of the nervous system
Normal growth and development
Calcitonin:
regulates calcium levels in the body
Parathyroid Gland
4 small glands behind the thyroid
Secretes parathormone:
Increases amount of calcium available in blood
Thymus Gland
Secretes hormone that stimulates T-Cell production throughout childhood years.
For immunity
Adrenal Glands
Located top of each kidney
ADRENAL CORTEX Secretes:
Glucocorticoids
Mineralocorticoids
Small amounts of sex hormones
ADRENAL MEDULLA
Secretes epinephrine &
norepinephrine:
prepares body for “fight or flight”
Pancreas
Located in LUQ of
abdomen with liver
Secretes:
Insulin and Glucagon
Regulate amount of glucose in body available for cells
Insulin is needed for sugar to
enter cells
Gonads
Males
Testes secrete testosterone
Females
Ovaries secrete estrogen &
progesterone
Changes associated with aging endocrine
Aging = increase in
sex hormones and development of secondary
sexual characteristics
Older age decrease in hormone production, esp
testosterone, estrogen,
progesterone decrease
in thyroid hormone
Peripheral tissues become
less responsive to
hormones
Decrease in hormone
production can cause
slowing of bodily functions
Hyperthyroidism
Too much thyroid hormone
Body functions speed up
S/s:
Weight lost
Tachycardia
Trouble sleeping
Tremors
Sweats
TX:
medication to reduce hormone production, radioactive iodine, surgery
Hypothyroidism
Too little thyroid hormone
Body functions slow down
S/s:
Fatigue
Coarse hair
Weight gain
Bradycardia
TX:
thyroid supplement medication
DIABETES MELLITUS
Pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or insulin is not used properly by body
body systems may be
affected if blood glucose
levels are not controlled.
Need to monitor blood
glucose regularly.
s/s of DIABETES
Increased thirst
Frequent urination (polyuria)
Constant hunger
Unusual weight loss
Extreme fatigue
Dry, itchy skin
Blurred eyesight
Gestational diabetes
occurs during pregnancy
temporary, but later risk for type 2
treatment like other types
TYPE I DIABETES
Dx made as child or young adult
No insulin produced
Will need daily insulin injections
TYPE II DIABETES
onset is in adulthood
Symptoms may be mild & go unnoticed
Not enough insulin produced or body doesn’t effectively use insulin
TX:
managed by diet & exercise
oral medications to increase insulin productio
insulin injections to supplement body’s insulin
