Question

What is the function of the endocrine system

Answer 1

Endocrine system consists of group of glands which secretes hormones. Endocrine glands are located in various locations in our body.

Endocrine glands secrete hormones into blood and these hormones travel to other body parts through blood and exert their actions there. There are various hormones which help in metabolism, normal growth&development, the way organs work, control mood and reproduction.

Various endocrine glands and hormones secreted by them along with their important functions are given below:

hypothalamus

- corticotrophin-releasing hormone : stimulate secretion of ACTH

- growth hormone-releasing hormone : Stimulate production of growth hormone

- somatostatin : Inhibit production of Growth hormone

- gonadotrophin-releasing hormone : Stimulate the production of gonadotropins

- thyrotrophin-releasing hormone : Stimualte the production of TSH

- ADH : Conserve water by decreasing urine

anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis)

- growth hormone (HGH) : Growth and repair of cells

- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) : Stimulate thyroid to produce its hormones

- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) : stimulate developing follicles to secrete estrogen

- Leteinizing hormone (LH) : Ovulation and stimulate ovary to secrete hormones

- Prolactin : production of breast milk

- Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) : Stimulate secretion of adrenal cortical hormones

- Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) : darkening of skin

posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis)

- Oxytocin : Uterine contraction

- ADH : Conserve water by decreasing urine

thyroid gland

- T3 (triiodothyronine)& T4 (thyroxine) : increase metabolism

- Calcitonin : decreases calcium in blood

parathyroid glands

- Parathyroid hormone (PTH) : Increases blood calcium

adrenal glands

**Adrenal cortex

- Mineralocorticoids : Sodium and water reabsorption from kidney tubules and secretion of potassium

- Glucocorticoids : Resistance to stress, Increase protein breakdown, Anti- inflammatory

- Androgens : Increases axillary and pubic hair growth

**Adrenal medulla

- Epinephrine and Norepinephrine : fight or flight response

pancreas (islets of Langerhans)

- Insulin : decreases blood glucose

- Glucagon : increases blood glucose

ovaries

- Estrogens and progesterone : Regulate hormonal cycle in females, oogenesis, maintain pregnancy, secondary sex characteristics.

- Relaxin :Relaxes the ligaments of pelvis during preparation of childbirth.

- Inhibin : Inhibits release of FSH

testes

- Testosterone : maintain secondary sex characteristics, production of sperm, decent of testes before birth

- Inhibin : Inhibits release of FSH

pineal gland

- Melatonin : Biological clock