Neuroendocrinology

Question 1

What is the function of the Endocrine System?

Answer 1

It’s the hormonal system of which aims for homeostasis through the production and release of hormones.

Question 2

How many glands make up the Endocrine System?

Answer 2

10

Question 3

Name the 10 Endocrine glands?

Answer 3

Pineal gland
Pituitary gland
Hypothalamus - master gland
Thyroid gland
Parathyroid gland
Thymus
Pancreas
Adrenals
Ovaries & (placenta during pregnancy)
Testes

Question 4

Which gland is considered to be the master gland of the Endocrine System and where is it located?

Answer 4

Used to be Pituitary but its the Hypothalamus
Located under the Thalamus of the brain.
It’s the major link between the endocrine and NS

Question 5

Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Hypothalamus.

Answer 5

Hormone - Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH) signals anterior pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which tells kidneys to release cortisol

Asana - All inversions = Sirsasana (Headstand)
Pranayama - Nadi Shodhana or Kapalabhati

Question 6

Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Pituitary gland.

Answer 6

Hormone -Oxytocin (love/intimacy) & endorphin (feel good/pain relief)
Asana - Utthita Balasana
Pranayama - Nadi Shodhana

Question 7

Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Pineal gland.

Answer 7

Hormone - Melatonin (sleep/wake cycles)
Asana - Balasana
Pranayama - Nadi Shodhana

Question 8

Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Thyroid gland.

Answer 8

Hormone - Thyroxin (controls metabolism)
Thyroid - Matsyasana (fish)
Pranayama - Ujjayi

Question 9

Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Parathyroid gland.

Answer 9

Hormone - Parathyroid hormone (calcium levels)
Asana - Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
Pranayama - Ujjayi

Question 10

Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Thymus.

Answer 10

Hormone - Thymosin (Stimulates T-Cell production & conversion of B-Cell to Plasma Cells.
Asana - Matsyasana (fish)
Pranayama - Ujjayi

Question 11

Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Pancreas.

Answer 11

Hormone - Insulin (control blood sugar levels)
Asana - Vajrasana (thunderbolt)
Pranayama - Brahmari (bee)

Question 12

Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Adrenals.

Answer 12

Hormone - Cortisol (response to stress)
Asana - Viparita Karani and back bends
Pranayama - Brahmari

Question 13

Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Ovaries.

Answer 13

Hormone - Estrogen,progesterone & relaxin (female reproduction and secondary sex characteristics.
Asana - Supta Baddha Konasana (reclining bound angle)
Pranayama - Nadi Shodhana

Question 14

Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Testes.

Answer 14

Hormone - Testosterone
Asana - hip openers Balasana (wide legged child)
Pranayama - Nadi Shodhana

Question 15

How do the Nervous and Endocrine System work together?

Answer 15

Structually the ES glands are rooted in the NS

Chemically - both use the same transmitters but in different ways

Functionally - co-dependant and work in conjunction.

The NS sends neurotransmitters between the Nervous System and Endocrine glands. Then the gland responds by secreting the hormone which drives hormonal changes.

Example: NS receives and sends neurotransmitters to the Hypothalamus that a baby is sucking the nipple. The Hypothalamus responds by releasing Oxytocin which travels (via blood) to mammary gland which releases milk through the nipple.

Question 16

What impact does yoga have on the endocrine system

Answer 16

Improves stress response

Subtle compression/decompress regulate secreting of glands

Question 17

What is the HPA axis?

Answer 17

When a stressor is perceived, the hypothalamus releases Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF) > to the pituitary gland which produces Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) > adrenals who produce cortisol which mobilizes glucose stored in the liver providing constant energy for the body to deal with the stressor.