ENDOCRINE BASICS

WHAT IS IT?

The Endocrine System is a series of glands which make and secrete hormones that the body uses.

These hormones control many functions, such as:

• respiration

• metabolism

• reproduction

• sensory perception

• movement

• sexual development

• growth

GLANDS/ORGANS

The Endocrine System involves several different glands and organs to help the body function.

These glands include:

• hypothalamus

• pituitary gland 

• parathyroids

• pancreas

• thyroid

• adrenal gland

• pineal gland

• ovaries

• testes

GLAND FUNCTIONS

Hypothalamus: responsible for body temperature, hunger, mood, the releases of hormones from other glands, as well as thirst, sleep, and sex drive

Pituitary gland: controls other glands and creates the hormones which trigger growth

Parathyroids: controls the amount of calcium in the body

Pancreas: produces insulin to help control blood sugar levels

Thyroid: produces hormones associated with calorie burning and heart rate

Adrenal gland: produce hormones that controls ex drive and cortisol, the stress hormone

Pineal gland: produces melatonin, which affects sleep

Ovaries: only found in women, ovaries secrete estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone

Testes: only found in men, testes produce sperm and testosterone

Your thyroid is very important! It is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It has a right lobe and left lobe, with a bridge in-between called an isthmus. Your thyroid produces hormones that act throughout your body, affecting metabolism, growth, development, and body temperature.