Endocrine System

Human Anatomy & Physiology

University of Washington PMT
The Endocrine System
 Endocrine System
The Endocrine System
Regulates long-term processes
Growth
Development
Reproduction
Uses chemical messengers to relay information and
instructions between cells
Direct communication
Paracrine communication
Endocrine communication
 Hormonal Action
Target Cells
Are specific cells that possess receptors needed to
bind and read hormonal messages
Hormones
Stimulate synthesis of enzymes or structural
proteins
Increase or decrease rate of synthesis
Turn existing enzyme or membrane channel on or
off
 Hormone Actions

Lock and Key approach: describes the

interaction between the hormone and its
specific receptor.
Receptors for nonsteroid hormones are
located on the cell membrane
Receptors for steroid hormones are found in
the cells cytoplasm or in its nucleus
 Non Lipid Soluble
Hormonal Action
Hormones and Plasma Membrane Receptors
Bind to receptors in plasma membrane
Cannot have direct effect on activities inside target
cell
Use intracellular intermediary to exert effects
First messenger:
leads to second messenger
may act as enzyme activator, inhibitor, or cofactor
results in change in rates of metabolic reactions
 Lipid Soluble Hormonal
Action
Steroid Hormones:
Lipid soluble
Diffuse through cell membranes
Endocrine organs
Adrenal cortex
Ovaries
Testes
Thyroid
 Pituitary Gland
A marble-sized gland
at the base of the
brain
Controlled by the
hypothalamus or
other neural
mechanisms and
therefore the middle
man.
Pituitary Gland
The Pituitary Gland and its
Hormones
Posterior Lobe
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Oxytocin
Anterior Lobe
Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH)
Growth hormone (GH)
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Prolactin (PRL)
Endocrine Reflexes
Hypothalamus
Pituitary Gland
 Thyroid Gland
Thyroid Gland
Located along the midline of the neck
Secretes two nonsteroid hormones
Triiodothyronine (T3)
Thyroxine (T4)
Calcitonin: calcium metabolism (osteoblast)
Regulates metabolism
increases protein synthesis
promotes glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glucose uptake
Thyroid Gland
Thyroid Gland
 Parathyroid Glands
Embedded in
posterior surface of
the thyroid gland
Parathyroid hormone
(PTH)
Produced by chief
cells
In response to low
concentrations of Ca2+
Parathyroid Gland
 Suprarenal (Adrenal)
Gland
Lie along superior border of
each kidney
Subdivided into:
Superficial suprarenal cortex
Stores lipids, especially
cholesterol and fatty acids
Inner suprarenal medulla
Secretory activities controlled by
sympathetic division of ANS
 Suprarenal (Adrenal)
Gland
Adrenal Medulla
Contains two types of secretory cells
Epinephrine (70-75% of mass)
Increase H.R. and B.P.
Increase respiration
Increase metabolic rate
Increase glycogenolysis
Bronchodilation
Norepinephrine (20-25% of mass)
Vasoconstriction
 Suprarenal (Adrenal)
Gland
Adrenal Cortex
Mineralocorticoids (Zona Glomerulosa)
Aldosterone: maintains electrolyte balance
Na+ reabsorption by kidneys & K+ urinary loss
Glucocorticoids (Zona Fasciculate)
Cortisol (Hydrocortisone):
Stimulates gluconeogenisis
Mobilization of free fatty acids
Anti-inflammatory agent
Androgens (Zona Recticularis)
Bone growth, muscle growth & blood formation
 Pineal Gland
Lies in posterior portion of
roof of third ventricle
Contains pinealocytes
Synthesize hormone
melatonin
Inhibits reproductive
functions
Protects against
damage from free
radicals
Setting circadian
rhythms
 Pancreas
Exocrine / Endocrine
Gland
Endocrine Pancreas
consists of clusters of
cells called Islets of
Langerhans
4 types of cells of
endocrine pancreas
Comprise only 1% of
entire pancreas
 Pancreas
Insulin
A peptide hormone released by beta cells
Affects target cells by:
Accelerate glucose uptake
Accelerate glucose utilization and enhances ATP
formation
Stimulate glycogen formation
Stimulate amino acid absorption and protein synthesis
Stimulate triglyceride formation in adipose tissue
 Pancreas
Glucagon
Released by alpha cells
Mobilizes energy reserves
Affects target cells:
Stimulates breakdown of glycogen in skeletal
muscle and liver tissue
Stimulates breakdown of triglycerides in adipose
tissue
Stimulates production of glucose in liver
 Sex Organs (Testes &
Ovaries)
Testes (Gonads) Ovaries (Gonads)
Produce androgens in Produce estrogens
interstitial cells Principle estrogen is
Testosterone is the estradiol
most important male
After ovulation, follicle
hormone
Secrete inhibin in
cells
Reorganize into corpus
nurse (sustentacular)
luteum
cells
Release estrogens and
Support differentiation
progestins, especially
and physical maturation
progesterone
of sperm
 Thymus
Produces thymosins
(blend of thymic
hormones)
That help develop and
maintain normal
immune defenses
 Endocrine Tissues of
Other Organs
Kidneys:
Produce calcitriol and erythropoietin
Produces enzyme renin
Heart:
Produces natriuretic peptides (ANP & BNP)
When blood volume becomes excessive
Action opposes angiotensin II
Resulting in reduction of blood pressure & volume
Hormone Interactions

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Also called stress response
How body responds to stress-causing
factors
Is divided into three phases:
1. Alarm phase
2. Resistance phase
3. Exhaustion phase