The Endocrine System

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The endocrine system is a collection of glands in the body that help to control bodily metabolic activity by producing endocrine secretions. Although there are many glands in the endocrine system the main glands include the pancreas, ovaries, testes, kidneys, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal glands, pineal gland, gastrointestinal tract, hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Functions Hypothalamus – The hypothalamus is located in the brain. It is responsible for direct control over the entire endocrine system through the pituitary gland. Cells in the hypothalamus called neurosecretory cells secrete 7 hormones – Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH), Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRh), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), oxytocin and Antidiuretic hormone (ADH). GHRH and GHIH regulate the release of the growth hormone as GHRH releases it and GHIH inhibits it. CRH stimulates the release of the adrenocorticotropic hormone. GnRH stimulates the release of follicle stimulation hormone and the luteinizing hormone. THR stimulates the release of the thyrotropin hormone. Oxytocin and ADH are both transported to the posterior pituitary gland to be stored and release later when they are needed. Pancreas – The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen. The function of the pancreas in the endocrine system is to produce two hormones called insulin and glucagon. These two hormones maintain balance (homeostasis) in the blood sugar. The insulin produced enables the glucose that is created from the breakdown of carbohydrates to be used in the cells as energy. Glucagon raises the glucose level in the blood. Ovaries – Located in front of the ureters in a fem... ... middle of paper ... ...auses the thyroid to produce thyroxine and triiodothyroninie. 2) Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACHT) which is responsible for stimulating the adrenal cortex. This then means the outer part of the adrenal cortex is stimulated and produces its hormones. 3) Prolactin (PRL) which is responsible for stimulating the mammary glands located in the breasts to produce milk. 4) Human Growth Hormone (HGH) which affects many target cells and stimulates their reproduction, growth and repair. 5) Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) which is responsible for the stimulation of follicle cells found in the gonads. This encourages either the testes to produce sperm and the ovaries to produce ova. 6) The luteinizing hormone (LH) is also responsible for stimulating the gonads. However, this hormone stimulates them to create the sex hormones – oestrogen in women and testosterone in men.

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