ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

The endocrine system includes all of the glands in the body and the hormones produced by those
glands. The glands are controlled directly by stimulation from the nervous system as well as by
chemical receptors in the blood and hormones produced by other glands. It includes one Pituitary
gland, one Thyroid gland, four parathyroid glands, two adrenal, pancreatic gland, one pineal
gland, one thymus gland, two ovaries in the female and testes in male.
MAJOR HORMONES,THE GLANDS FROM WHICH THEY ORIGINATE &
FUNCTIONS
HYPOTHALAMUS: This is a part of the brain located superior and anterior to the brain stem.
It serves many different functions in the nerv!" "#"$e%, and is also responsible for the direct
control of the endocrine system through the pituitary gland
PITUITARY GLANDS: This is located at the base of the brain. It secreted hormones with
functions analysed below: Prolactin stimulates and control milk production by mammary glands.
Oxytocin controls the flow of milk and contraction of the uterine walls. An$i&i!re$i' (r%ne
)ADH* stimulates the kidney tubules to reabsorb water from the glomerular filtrate.while
S%a$$r+in )+i$!i$arin* promotes the growth of bones and muscles. Tr+i' Hr%ne"
controls other endocrine glands in the body, hence pituitary glands is referred to as master gland.
THYROID GLAND this is in the anterior region of the neck. It secrets thyroxine hormones. It
functions includes regulating the rate of metabolism, respiration. It also stimulates mental and
physical growth and development in young animals and controls metamorphosis in tadpoles.
PARATHYROID GLAND: This situated at the nterior part of the neck near the thyroid
gland. It secrets Parathormone. It controls the level of calcium content in the blood.
PANCREAS secrets insulin and !lucogen . Insulin maintains blood sugar level" it converts
glucose to glucogen by stimulating the liver, thereby lowering sugar level. !lucogen increases
blood sugar by stimulating the liver and muscle cells to reconvert glycogen to glucose for
oxidation to release energy.
ADRENAL GLAND located at the top of the kidneys. It functions are enumerated below.
It increases heartbeat, muscular tone, respiration and sugar content of the blood. Its aids dilation
of the pupils, shivering during cold and associated with fear and anxiety.
STOMACH GLAND is in the epithelium of the stomach. It secrets !astrin #ormone. This
activates the gastric glands to produce $uice.
T%&T%& are found in the &crotum. It produces Testosterone. It is responsible for the appearance
of secondary sexual characters in males at puberty, e.g. pubic hairs, beard, moustache, thick
muscles and deep voice. It produces spermato'oa by the testes.
Ovaries are situated within the ovaries. It produces Oestrogen and Progesterone (Pregnancy)
#ormones. Oestrogen stimulates the development of female secondary *haracteristics at puberty
such as public hairs, round bodies, smooth skin, uterus growth and breast development.
Progesterone prepares the uterus for the attachment of the embryo. It also maintains the foetus
during its development in the uterus.
%ndocrine &ystem, regulating the functions of organs in the body help these glands to maintain
the body+s homeostasis, *ellular metabolism, reproduction, sexual development, sugar and
mineral homeostasis, heart rate, and digestion etc.