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

When any of the endocrine glands produce the wrong amount of hormones, diseases can develop that affect our daily lives.

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

So, what does my thyroid do?

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.