TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

363 P. Casal St., Quiapo, Manila

ASSIGNMENT #2

MARVIN BRIAN J. PARAS

December 7, 2018
1. Explain the general functions of the endocrine system.
The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones,
chemical substances produced in the body that regulate the activity of cells or organs.
These hormones regulate the body's growth, metabolism (the physical and chemical
processes of the body), and sexual development and function. The hormones are released
into the bloodstream and may affect one or several organs throughout the body.
Hormones are chemical messengers created by the body. They transfer information from
one set of cells to another to coordinate the functions of different parts of the body.
The major glands of the endocrine system are the hypothalamus, pituitary,
thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pineal body, and the reproductive organs (ovaries and
testes). The pancreas is also a part of this system; it has a role in hormone production as
well as in digestion.
The endocrine system is regulated by feedback in much the same way that a
thermostat regulates the temperature in a room. For the hormones that are regulated by
the pituitary gland, a signal is sent from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland in the
form of a "releasing hormone," which stimulates the pituitary to secrete a "stimulating
hormone" into the circulation. The stimulating hormone then signals the target gland to
secrete its hormone. As the level of this hormone rises in the circulation, the
hypothalamus and the pituitary gland shut down secretion of the releasing hormone and
the stimulating hormone, which in turn slows the secretion by the target gland. This
system results in stable blood concentrations of the hormones that are regulated by the
pituitary gland.

2. In what way growth and development is controlled by the endocrine system?

The endocrine system contains reproductive hormones. Reproductive hormones
control the reproductive development of boys and girls. The development of primary and
secondary characteristics and regulate all reproductive related processes such as sperm
and egg production. Primary reproductive characteristics are the development of the
major reproductive organs. There are 3 main types of reproductive hormones—
androgens, estrogen, and progesterone.

3. What happens when there are no sufficient hormones produced by the pituitary gland?
Pituitary gland is located on the underside of your brain. It releases eight
hormones. Each of these hormones plays a role in how your body functions. These
functions range from stimulating bone growth to prompting your thyroid gland to release
hormones that control your metabolism. Hormones produced by the pituitary gland
include:
 Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) triggers cortisol production and the
chemical reaction that makes your body produce adrenaline and noradrenaline.
  Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) controls your blood pressure and conserves the
fluids in your body.
 Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in
women and sperm production in men.
 Growth hormone (GH) makes children grow, and maintains body structure and
metabolism in adults.
 Luteinizing hormone (LH) is responsible for fertility, puberty, and menstruation
in women.
 Oxytocin is important in childbirth and lactation. It may also play a large role in
human behavior.
 Prolactin has over 300 uses in the body.
 Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) regulates the production of hormones in the
thyroid.

Hypopituitarism occurs when your pituitary gland does not release enough of one
or more of these hormones. Trauma may cause your pituitary gland to stop producing
enough of one or more of its hormones. The symptoms of hypopituitarism depend on
which hormones your pituitary gland is not producing enough of. For example, if the
pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone in a child, they may have a
permanently short stature. If it doesn’t produce enough follicle-stimulating hormone or
luteinizing hormone, it might cause problems with sexual function, menstruation, and
fertility. This condition is best managed by an endocrinologist. There is no single course
of treatment because this condition may affect a number of hormones. In general, the goal
of treatment is to bring all your hormone levels back to normal.

4. What is the basic function of the hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus is vital for living as it plays a very important role. It controls
certain metabolic processes and other activities of the Autonomic Nervous System. It
synthesizes and secretes neurohormones, often called hypothalamic-releasing hormones.
These hypothalamic releasing hormones control and regulate the secretion of pituitary
hormones.

5. What and how sugar in blood is regulated?

The human body wants blood glucose (blood sugar) maintained in a very narrow
range. Insulin and glucagon are the hormones which make this happen. Both insulin and
glucagon are secreted from the pancreas, and thus are referred to as pancreatic endocrine
hormones. The picture shows the intimate relationship both insulin and glucagon have to
each other. Note that the pancreas serves as the central player in this scheme. It is the
production of insulin and glucagon by the pancreas which ultimately determines if a
patient has diabetes, hypoglycemia, or some other sugar problem.