THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Purpose of the Endocrine System

Hypothalamus

Located in the brain, the hypothalamus is responsible for certain metabolic processes and activities of the Autonomic Nervous System, such as temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, etc.

It links the Endocrine System with the Nervous System by using the pituitary gland.

Thymus

The thymus gland secretes hormones that enhance the immune system. It is located in the throat and attached to the heart and thyroid gland.

Increases in size from the 3rd month of development in the womb until puberty, and then can change size rapidly depending upon stress or infections

Ovaries

Ovaries- glands that are a part of the reproductive and endocrine system

Located right above the fallopian tubes and on the left and the right side of the uterus

Every month one ovary (either the left or the right) makes a mature egg for fertilization

http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/ovarianconditions/a/yrovrisovuovads.htm

Pancreas

Pancreas- oblong flattened gland that produces many important hormones such as insulin

Located between the stomach and the spine; partially located behind the stomach, the rest is located in the curve of the small intestine

For a more visual approach touch your pinky and your right thumb together, keep the other three fingers straight and together. Then place your hand in the center of your tummy (with your three fingers pointing left) and your hand will be approximately at pancreas level.

Adrenal Glands

Adrenal glands- split into two parts, the cortex (outside) and the medulla (inside). The cortex produces steroid hormones such as testosterone, and the medulla produces epinephrine, also known as adrenaline.

Shaped like triangles and are located on top of the kidneys

Pineal Glands

produces a hormone called melatonin that helps the testes and ovaries to develop. It also changes messages from the nervous system into endocrine signals.

Shockingly, it is only about 1 centimeter long!

Testes

Part of the male reproductive system, the testes produce sperm over the entire course of a male’s lifetime.

Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland located at the base of the skull between the optic nerves.

The pituitary gland secretes hormones. 

Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box).

The small, two-inch gland consists of two lobes, one on each side of the windpipe, connected by tissue called the isthmus.

The thyroid plays an important role in regulating the body's metabolism and calcium balance.

Conclusion

Bibliography

Newsmedical.net [updated 2012; accessed 2012 August 17] Retrieved from: http://www.new-medical.net/health/What-is-the-Hypothalmus.aspx http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/ovarianconditions/a/yrovrisovuovads.htm http://pathology.jhu.edu/pc/BasicOverview1.php R. Brown. The Pineal Gland and Melatonin [updated 2003 March 17; accessed

2012 August 19] Retrieved from: http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/otherendo/pineal.html

Hormone.org. The Endocrine System: Endocrine Glands and Types of Hormones [updated 2012; accessed 2012 August 19] Retrieved from: http://www.hormone.org/endo101/page2.cfmSrikar R. Adhikari, M.D., RDMS. Testicular Ultrasound[updated 2008;accessed 2012 August 19] Retrieved from: http://www.sonoguide.com/smparts_testicular.html

University of Pittsburgh What Is the Pituitary Gland? [updated 2011-2012 accessed 2012 August 20] retrieved from:

http://www.neurosurgery.pitt.edu/minc/skullbase/pituitary/index.html University of Maryland Massachusetts Medical Center The Thyroid Gland [updated

2012; accessed 2012 August 20] Retrieved from: http://www.umm.edu/endocrin/thygland.htm