Endocrine System Overview

Hypothalamus to Anterior Pituitary

• Hormonal control via TRH, CRH, GHRH, GnRH.

• Neural control via neurotransmitters.

• Direct blood flow regulation.

• Feedback inhibition from peripheral hormones.

Connection to the Digestive System

• Hormones like insulin, glucagon, and ghrelin regulate metabolism and hunger.

• Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol regulate sleep and mood.

• Hormones like estrogen and testosterone regulate muscle growth and fat distribution.

• Hormones like serotonin and dopamine regulate appetite and digestion.

Low TSH (Hypothyroidism)

• Condition: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

• Condition: Graves’ Disease

• Condition: Cushing’s Syndrome

• Condition: Addison’s Disease

Positive feedback loops

• Maintain balance in a system.

• Enhance or accelerate a process rather than maintaining balance.

• Slow down a process to achieve equilibrium.

• Create a stable environment for processes.

TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)

• Stimulates T3/T4 release from the thyroid gland.

• Inhibits T3/T4 release from the thyroid gland.

• Regulates calcium levels in the blood.

• Stimulates insulin release from the pancreas.

Melatonin

• Regulates sleep-wake cycles and promotes relaxation.

• Synchronizes circadian rhythms, influences seasonal behavior, and modulates mood changes.

• Stimulates appetite and increases energy levels.

• Enhances cognitive function and memory retention.

Division of the pituitary gland

• Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) and posterior pituitary

• Anterior pituitary and intermediate pituitary

• Posterior pituitary and neurohypophysis

• Anterior pituitary and adrenal cortex

Function of Estrogen

• Promotes development of female secondary sex characteristics, regulates menstrual cycle.

• Inhibits the growth of male secondary sex characteristics.

• Stimulates the production of testosterone in males.

• Regulates blood sugar levels in the body.

Hormone produced by the Pineal Gland

• Serotonin

• Cortisol

• Melatonin

• Adrenaline

Function of Progesterone

• Prepares the uterus for pregnancy and supports fetal development.

• Stimulates the production of red blood cells.

• Increases the metabolic rate of the body.

• Regulates blood sugar levels.