The Endocrine System Controls many body Releases functions

The Endocrine System • Controls many body • Releases functions hormones – exercises control by directly into the blood, which in releasing special chemical substances into turn transports the hormones to the blood called target tissues in hormones the body. – Hormones affect other endocrine glands or body systems

The Endocrine System • Consists of several glands located in various parts of the body. • Pituitary gland: a small gland located on a stalk hanging from the base of the brain AKA • “The Master Gland” – Primary function is to control other glands. – Produces many hormones. – Secretion is controlled by the hypothalamus in the base of the brain.

The Endocrine System The Hypothalamus: Helps the body maintain homeostasis or internal balance by regulating things such as: v. Body temperature v. Blood pressure v. Digestion v. Breathing

The Endocrine System • The Thyroid Gland – lies in the anterior neck just below the larynyx. – Two lobes, located on either side of the trachea, connected by a narrow band of tissue. • The thyroid hormones: – When released, increases the metabolic rate (digestion).

The Endocrine System • Inadequate or low • Hypothyroidism can cause: levels of thyroid hormones = – Facial swelling Hypothyroidism – weakness – cold intolerance – fatigue – oily skin and hair

The Endocrine System • Increased or high levels of thyroid hormone causes hyperthyroidism, • Signs and symptoms: • Insomnia • fatigue • weight loss – Hyperthyroidism can cause: • bulging of the eyeballs • Thinning hair • Fast Metabolism (digestion) which causes some people to be very thin.

The Endocrine System • Parathyroid Glands – small, pea-shaped glands, located in the neck near the thyroid – produces parathyroid hormone – increases the level of calcium in blood

The Endocrine System • Pancreas – a key gland located in the folds of the intestines – secretes several key digestive enzymes – Regulates the amount of sugar in blood. – Dysfunctional Pancreas can lead to too much sugar in the blood and cause diabetes

The Endocrine System • Adrenal Glands – 2 small glands that sit on top both kidneys. • the Adrenal glands secrete the hormones adrenaline which gives us the automatic response needed to “Fight or Flight” when in danger. This may result in increased heart rate and rate of breathing.

The Endocrine System • One thing to remember is that the Endocrine system is involuntary (automatic). We do not control it and tell it when do turn on or off. It is activated when necessary to help our bodies maintain normalcy. If we could control it, this would make it a voluntary body function.