Saturday, February 5, 2011

ENDOCRiNE SYSTEM

~>> a series of organs and glands that secretes hormones

Hormones- chemical messengers released by endocrine glands

Steroids: powerful hormones
interact directly with the cells DNA

MAJOR ENDOCRiNE GLANDS

Hypothalamus- commander-in-chief
- controls pituitary gland and other glands

Pituitary- master gland

divided into 2:

Neurohypophysis- extension of hypothalamus
Andrenohypophysis-endocrine gland on its own

Thyroid gland-anterior portion of the neck

Parahyroid gland- its hormone regulates blood calcium in the blood dtream

Thymus gland- located in the upper thorax

Pineal gland- found in the brain

Pancreas- maintains blood sugar level

Adrenal Glands-pair of small glands sit on top of the kidney

has 2 types:

Adrenal medulla- middle of the gland

Andrenal cortex- secretes andrenocorticosteroids

Gonads- secretes male and female hormones

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