Hypothalamus -regulates endocrine system and neural activities.

-an endocrine component of the sympathetic divisions of the ANS -produces two hormones of its own (ADH and oxytocin) Endocrine Organs

A).Pituitary Gland
-Tiny pea-shaped gland -located on the inferior aspect of the brain -Two glands fused together: Anterior Pituitary & Posterior Pituitary Function: -release nine important peptide hormones. Two are synthesized in the hypothalamus and released at the posterior lobe of the pituitary and seven are synthesized in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland Posterior Lobe of the Pituitary Gland -neurohypophysis or pars nervosa -Contains the axons of some hypothalamic neurons. Neurons within the supaoptic and paraventicular Nuclei manufactures antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin. ADH- decreases the amount of water loss at the kidneys. Its released in response to a rise in the concentration of electrolytes in the blood or a fall in blood volume. Oxytocin- In women, it stimulates smooth muscle cells in the uterus and contractile cells in the mammary glands. It is released in response to stretched uterine muscles and /or suckling of an infants. In men, it stimulates prostatic smooth muscle contractions Anterior Lobe of the Pituitary Gland - adenohypophysis - subdivided into the large Pars Distalis and the slender Pars Intermedia. -Highly vascularized

Pars Distalis- release.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (THS): triggers the released of thyroid hormone. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACHS): stimulates the release of glucocorticoids by the adrenal gland Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): stimulates estrogen secretion (estradiol) and egg development in women and sperm production in men. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): causes ovulation and productions of progestins (progesterone) in women and androgens (testosterone) in men Prolactin (PRL): stimulates the development of the mammary gland and the production of milk. Growth Hormone (GH or somatotropin): stimulates cells growth and replication.

Par Intermedia- released

Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH): sto primulates melanocytes to produce melanin.

B).Thyroid Gland
-single gland located on the anterior aspect of the trachea (windpipe) near the larynx (voicebox). -consist of two lobes connected by a narrow isthmus. -contains numerous thyroid follicles. Cells of the follicles manufacture Thyroglubulin And store it within the colloid in the follicle cavity. -when stimulated with THS, the follicles cells reabsorb the thyroglobulin , break down the protein and release the thyroid hormones, THYROXINE or (TX or T4) and tridothyronine (T3) into the circulation. -C cells of the thyroid follicles produce calcitonin (CT), which helps to lower calcium ion concentrations in the body fluids by inhibiting osteoclasts activities and stimulating calcium ion excretions at the kidneys.

C).P arathyroid Glands -tiny masses of tissues embedded in the posterior surface of the thyroid.
- The principal(chief) cells of the parathyroid produces Parathyroid Hormone(P TH) in response to lower-than-normal concentrations of calcium ions. Oxyphil cells of the parathyroid have no known function. -PTH: 1). stimulates osteoclast activity 2). Stimulates osteoblast activity to lesser degree 3). Reduces calcium loss in the urine. 4). Promotes calcium absorption in the intestine by stimulating calcitrio))l production. -parathyroid glands and C cells of the thyroid gland maintain calcium ion levels within relatively narrow limits.

D). Thymus -two lobe gland located in the anterior mediastinum.

- the thymus grows until puberty then disintegrates through adulthood -produces several hormones that stimulate the development and maintenance of normal immunological defenses. -Thymosin produces by the thymus promote development and maturation of lypmphocytes.

E). Adrenal Glands

-pair of glands , each on the superior surface of a kidney. Each gland is surrounded by a fibrous capsule and is subdivided into superficial adrenal cortex and an inner adrenal medulla. Adrenal Cortex -manufacture adrenocortical steroids (corticosteroids). Subdivisions: a.) Zona Glumerulosa -outer. - releases mineralocorticoids (MC) or aldosterone, which restrict sodium and water losses at the kidneys, sweat glands, digestive tract and salivary glands , digestive tract and salivary glands. b.) Zona Fasciculate -middle - produces glucocorticoids (GC) known as catisol and corticosterone. All of these hormones accelerate the rates of both glucose synthesis and glycogen formation, especially in liver cells. c.) Zona Reticularis -produces small amounts of sex hormone called adrogens , whose significance in adult s remain uncertain. Adrenal Medulla -contains clusters of chromaffin cells, which resembles sympathetic ganglia neurons. They secrete either epinephrine or norepinephrine. These catecholamines trigger cellular energy utilization and the mobilization of energy reserved