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 that stimulates the Hypothalamus, and its funtion.

Answer 5

Located in brain

Dopamine- Happy hormone
Oxytocin- love hormone

Asana - All inversions = Sirsasana (Headstand)

• The master gland that controls, temperature, moods, appetite, sleep, thirst, libido

Question 6

Name one hormone, one asana that stimulates the Pituitary gland and its function .

Answer 6

Located in brain

FSH- Follicle Stimulating Hormone
ACTH- Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone

INVERSIONS: Viparītakaraṇī, Adho Mukha Svanasana

• Regulate the functions of other peptide hormones that act on adrenals, liver, bone, thyroid

Question 7

Name one hormone, one asana that stimulates the Pineal gland and its function.

Answer 7

Located in brain

Melatonin

FORWARD BENDS (seated/standing): Uttānāsana, Paścimottānāsana

*Regulates sleep/wake cycles

Question 8

Name one hormone, one asana that stimulates the Thyroid gland and its function.

Answer 8

Located in neck

Triiodothyronine (T3)
Thyroxine (T4)

ASANA: Opening and compressing neck

Matsyāsana, Setu Bandha Sarvāṅgāsana

• Calorie burning (metabolism) and heart rate

Question 9

Name one hormone, one asana that stimulates the Parathyroid gland and its function.

Answer 9

Located in neck

Parathyroid Hormone

ASANA: Opening and compressing neck

Salamba Savangasana

• Works with thyroid gland to regulate calcium levels in the blood

Question 10

Name one hormone, one asana that stimulates the Thymus and its function.

Answer 10

Located in sternum

Thymosin

ASANA: Compressed sternum

Bhujaṅgāsana- Cobra
Dhanurāsana - Bow

• One of the organs of the immune system that produces and maturates T lymphocytes

Question 11

Name one hormone, one asana that stimulates the Pancreas and its function.

Answer 11

Located deep in abdomen

Insulin
Glucagon

ASANA: Standing, supine or seated twists

Ardha Matsyendrāsana
Supta Matsyendrāsana

• Regulates blood sugar levels

Question 12

Name one hormone, one asana that stimulates the Adrenals and its function.

Answer 12

Located above kidneys

Cortisol
DHEA

ASANA: Halasana Plow

• Serves many functions including metabolism, immunity, blood pressure and managing the stress response

Question 13

Name one hormone, one asana that stimulates the Ovaries and its function.

Answer 13

Located in the Ovaries

Oestrogen
Progesterone

ASANA: Increase Circulation, hip openers

Baddha Konasana,
Vṛkṣāsana

• Produce oocytes (eggs) and produce reproductive hormones

Question 14

Name one hormone, one asana that stimulates the Testes and its function.

Answer 14

Testosterone

ASANA: Activate PSNS

Viparītakaraṇī
Paschimottanasana

• Producing sperm and hormones

Question 15

How do the Nervous and Endocrine System work together?

Answer 15

• The Hypothalamus (master gland) is the major link btw the NS and ES

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 chronic stressor is perceived, the hypothalamus releases Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF) which is transported by the blood stream to the pituitary gland which then produces Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). This is also transported by the bloodstream to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce corticosteroids, incl. cortisol. Cortisol mobilises glucose stored in the liver providing constant energy for the body to deal with the stressor.