Endocrine System

Explain the characteristics of the endocrine system that make its reactions different from those of the nervous system.

*Endocrine glands produce – hormones, they work with other hormones to perform many functions including: control water & electrolyte balance, regulating carbohydrate metabolism, working as neurotransmitters, maintaining stress & inflammation, regulate reproductive functions

1. Neurons is a basic building block of the nervous system. The sensory nerves carry the message from body tissues to the brain and spinal chord to be processed. The motor neurons are then used to send instructions to the body tissue from the brain and spinal cord. Dendrites, which are connected to the body cell (soma) receive information and pass it through the axon. Myelin sheath covers the axon and helps speed the process. When triggered by a signals from our senses or other neurons, the neuron fires an impulse called the action potential. The resting potential is the neuron’s visual charge of positive

The endocrine system is the system of the body in which releases hormones into the bloodstream. The hormones then cause different reactions within the body, and these reactions shape

The adrenal glands are composed of two sections, the medulla and the cortex. The medulla part of the gland is what produces adrenaline-like hormones. The cortex produces a group of hormones called corticosteroids

The adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, are where natural hormones and steroids that the body uses are secreted and regulated. These hormones and steroids come from either the adrenal cortex, or the adrenal medulla. Hormones from the cortex start at the pituitary gland where ACTH or adrenocorticotrophic hormone is secreted. “ The adrenal cortex secretes hormones known as corticosteroids, or cortical steroids.”( Rather, Spencer) There are three zones of the adrenal cortex, the zona glomerulosa, fasciulata, and reticularis. Each of these zones produce specific steroid hormones. Two main types of steroids among many others are Cortisol and Aldosterone. Cortisol is referred to as the stress hormone as it is involved in the response to stress and anxiety. Aldosterone increases reabsorption and retention of sodium and water in the kidneys. This process involves secretion of potassium and is stimulated by low blood sodium, this increases blood volume and

The adrenal glands are made up of two different sections. The interior (medulla) which produces hormones similar to adrenaline. The (cortex) outer layer has the role of producing a group of hormones that are called corticosteroids; these include mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and the male sex hormones known as (androgens).

This system enables specific signals to be sent and received by cells and tissues that are distant from one another. The endocrine system controls activities that take place in the body by releasing mediators, which are known as hormones. A mediator molecule can also be known as a hormone and it is released into one specific part of the body and normalizes the activity of cells in other parts of the body. Once a hormone is released it is transported to the target cells through the circulating blood in our bodies. Hormones in the body are significant in the processes of regulating growth, development, metabolism and

The hypothalamus produces hormones that travel in blood vessels to the anterior pituitary, stimulating it to produce other hormones.

The uterus of the rat that received injections of estrogen was found to weigh more than that of the rat that received injections of saline.

The thyroid gland is the gland that makes and stores hormones that help regulate the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and metabolism. Thyroid hormones are essential for the function of every cell in the body. They help regulate growth and the rate of chemical reactions in the body. Thyroid hormones also help children grow and develop. The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the neck, below the Adam's apple, wrapped around the trachea. It has the shape of a butterfly with two lobes attached to one another by a middle part called the isthmus. The thyroid uses iodine, a mineral found in some foods and in iodized salt, to make its hormones. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine

Adrenal glands are endocrine glands that sit atop the kidneys (Shier et al., 2009). The adrenal glands secrete hormones that increase heart rate, the force of cardiac muscle contraction, breathing rate, elevate blood pressure and blood glucose level. This activity prepares the body foe energy expending action, sometimes called fight or flight responses (Shier et al., 2009).

The adrenal medulla is stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system to release norepinephrane and epinephrine in response to stress.

The thyroid gland is found in the front of the neck and produces two main hormones. The hormones are called thuroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). Together these hormones regulate the body’s metabolism by increasing energy use in cells, regulate growth and development, help to maintain body temperature and aid in oxygen consumption. These two hormones are regulated by hormones produced by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The hypothalamus senses changes in body’s metabolic rate and releases a hormone known as thyropin-releasing hormone (TRH). This hormone then flows through connecting vessels to the pituitary gland which signals it to release another hormone. This hormone is known as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH then makes

Adrenal glands, located near the kidneys, secrete several hormones that are activated by the nervous system. These hormones dictate the body’s reaction to stressful situations. Each person secretes a different amount of hormones, therefore affecting behavior in stressful situations differently (Morris & Maisto, 2005).