The Endocrine System
The glands of the endocrine system are located throughout the body. Each gland has a particular function.
Endocrine glands
are ductless or tubeless organs or groups of cells that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
hormones
are chemicals substances that help regulate many of your body's functions
thyroid
Controls body metabolism rate
parathyroid gland
there are usually four of these. They produce hormones which regulate concentration of blood calcium & phosphorus.
testes
Interstitial cells make testosterone/sperm when stimulated by FSH and LH from the pituitary gland.
ovaries
- secrete estrogen (produces female characteristics and initiates female bodily functions) and progesterone (affects the endometrial lining of the uterus)
hypothalamus
A neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward.
pineal gland
the gland that plays a major role in sexual development, sleep, and metabolism
pituitary gland
Known as the master gland. Located in the brain and is the size of a pea. Produces hormones that regulate gorwth, development of the reproductive structures, and the function of the reproductive organs throughout ones life span.
thymus
An immune organ located near the heart. THe thymus is the site of T cell maturation and is larger in children and adolescents.
adrenal glands
A pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones that help arouse the body in times of stress.
pancreas
An organs in the abdominal cavity with two roles. The first is an exocrine role: to produce digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, which are delivered to the small intestine via the pancreatic duct. The second is an endocrine role: to secrete insulin and gluc
anterior Lobe
Adult Endocrine: Pituitary Gland Hormones
somatotropic
a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that regulates the cellular processes necessary for normal body growth; also called the growth hormone
thyroid-stimulating hormone
Stimulates the normal development and secretory activity of the thyroid
adrenocotropic hormone
stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete steroids, especially cortisol
follicle-stimulating hormone
A hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates the production of sperm in the male and growth of the follicle (which produces the egg) in the female.
progesterone
A hormone produced by the ovaries which acts with estrogen to bring about the menstral cycle.
prolactin
A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that tarets the mammary glands stimulating them to produce breastmilk.
intermediate lobe
middle lobe of pituitary secretes MSH which controls darkening of the pigments in the skin
posterior lobe
rear lobe; secretes antidiuretic hormone
adrenal glands
A pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones that help arouse the body in times of stress.
adrenal cortex
secreates a hormone that inhibits the amount of sodium excreted in urine and maintaines blood volume and pressure
adrenal medulla
An endocrine organ that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine in concert with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system; for example, in response to stress.
sperm
Male sex cell
testosterone
A hormone produced by the testes that affects the production of sperm, the development of male secondary sex characteristics, & the sex drive.
testes
Male sex glands or gonads that produce the male sex cells - sperm
scrotum
External sac that contains the testes
penis
Comprised of urethra and three cylinders of spongy tissues that are surrounded by tough layers of fibers
semen
Composed of sperm, fructose and fluid from the prostate gland
vas deferens
a duct that carries spermatozoa from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct
urethra
Function: carries urine (from the bladder) out of the body, and in males it also carries semen from the testes through the penis
seminal vesicles
Paired sac-like male exocrine glands that secrete fluid (a major component of semen) into the vas deferens
prostate
Produces fluid that mixes with sperm (and fructose) to make seme
Cowper's glands
pea-sized glands that secrete lubricating fluid during intercourse. Also called bulbourethral glands
testicular cancer
Cancer of the testicle, usually occurring in men 15 to 35 years of age
prostate cancer
Cancer of the prostate; second most common form of cancer among men in the United States.
eggs
Female gametes.
ovaries
Glands that produce the egg cells and hormones
uterus
1) the womb, 2) small, hollow, upside down pear shaped organ within pelvic cavity
ovulation
-occurs during the menstrual cycle where a mature egg is released from an ovarian follicle. Ovulation usually occurs around day 14 of the menstrual cycle
fallopian tubes
tubes which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus and which provides the place where fertilization occurs
cervix
A muscular ring that separates the uterus and the vagina
endometrium
Inner lining of the uterus
ovum
A mature egg cell
bladder
Elastic, hollow, muscular organ that provides temporary storage for urine.
labia minora
Smaller pair of skin folds that protect the vaginal opening
labia majora
Continuous with the Mon Pubis, two large folds of hair skin. Homologous to the skin of the Scrotum in male. The anterior end of each receives the Round ligament of the Uterus where it exits the Superficial Inguinal Ring on each side.
vagina
A muscular, elastic passageway that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body
menstruation
Last phase of the menstrual cycle in which the lining of the uterus along with blood and the unfertilized ovum are discharged through the vagina.
menstrual cramps
contractions of the uterus, during and a few days before menstruation, that causes pain
premenstrual syndrome
a syndrome that occurs in many women from 2 to 14 days before the onset of menstruation
toxic shock syndrome
An acute infection characterized by high fever, a sunburnlike rash, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed in severe cases by shock, that is caused by Staphylococcus aureus
endometriosis
A condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows somewhere else
vaginitis
An irritation or inflammation of the vagina, usually causing a discharge.
ovarian cysts
collections of fluid within a sac (cyst) in the ovary
cervical cancer
A very common form of cancer that is linked to the HPV sexual transmitted disease.
uterine cancer
any malignancy of the uterus, including the cervix or endometrium
ovarian cancer
Cancer of the ovaries.