Now who's ready to hear about the fun stuff???
We have these so called endocrine glands.. And these are the amazing little buggers responsible for the production and secretion of our hormones.. Awesome huh? Now let's talk about them one by one starting with the hypothalamus..
I know right? What the heck is that? Well this is one of the major major endocrine glands in our body.. It's actually not a gland, it's a tissue but gland rolls off the tongue easier right? :) Anyway, the hypothalamus is significant in the regulation of metabolism, body temperature and satiety.. By the way, satiety is when you've reached your food intake limit and your body tells you "Hey! Put down that Crispy Pata! You've had enough!" Oh no! I think I have a faulty hypothalamus because I eat even when I'm full.. HAHAHA.. :)
Do you know what else it does? It tells the pituitary gland when it can and cannot release its hormones.. The hypothalamus secretes hormones that will stimulate or suppress this production.. The following are released by our first endocrine gland:
Because we were only asked to define Endocriwhatology, I'm not gonna go into the functions and mechanisms of the hormones.. :) It's totally not because I'm too lazy to do so.. And it's also not because I'm afraid that you my dear readers might get bored.. But you can go ahead and click on the links if you wanna know more about them.. :)) HIGH FIVE!
Next up is the Pituitary gland.. This, my dear friends is no larger than a pea.. How cool is that? It is located beneath the hypothalamus.. The pituitary gland is considered as the most essential part of the endocrine system.. Do you have any idea why? Yeah, me too, but we have this thing called the internet.. :)) Well it's because it produces hormones that control many functions of other endocrine glands.. And it's divided into two portions..
The Posterior pituitary is also known as the Neurohypophysis.. And it's responsible for the secretion of Vasopressin or Anti-diuretic Hormone (ADH) and Oxytocin.. The production of Vasopressin and Oxytocin are not regulated by the hypothalamus..
The Anterior pituitary is also called Adenohypophysis.. It produces the following hormones which are regulated by the hypothalamus:
- Growth Hormone
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
- Leutenizing Hormone
- Adrenocorticotropin Hormone
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone
- Prolactin
Now we're on number three, the thyroid gland.. This gland right here looks a lot like a butterfly and it's located in the lower front part of the neck.. It is composed of colloids which contain Thyroxine-binding Globulin (TBG) which is the major carrier of thyroid hormones.. Along with the TBG, Thyroxine-binding prealbumin (TBPA) and Albumin are also carriers of thyroid hormones..
Thyroid hormones are mainly responsible for the regulation of the body's metabolism.. They are also responsible for the regulation of Calcium levels and bone formation.. Now let me introduce you to the thyroid hormones.. :)
- T3 or Triiodothyronine
- T4 or Thyroxine or Tetraiodothyronine
- Calcitonin
Come closer.. I'll tell you a little secret, T3 and T4 are the major metabolic hormones.. SHHHHH.. :)
Up next Parathyroid Glands.. They are located on the surface of the Thyroid gland, one pair on each side.. They release the Parathyroid hormone or Parathormone which is responsible for the regulation of Calcium levels in blood and bone formation as well much like Calcitonin..
Are you bored yet? If you are, I think it's time to watch a little video.. :)
Isn't learning fun? :)) And I'm pretty sure that the video made you smile.. endoCRIIIINNNNEEE :) Credits to Rajshrikids for the video..
Okay where were we??? Ahh, yes, the Adrenal glands.. these glands are composed of two parts, the adrenal cortex (outer part) which is responsible for the production of glucocorticoids (eg. Cortisol), mineralocorticoids (eg. Aldosterone) and androgens (eg. Testosterone).. These hormones help regulate the body's metabolism, salt and water balance in the body, immune system and of course, your favorite, the sexual functions.. :)
The inner part, which is called the adrenal medulla secretes the emergency hormones.. They are also sometimes called fight or flight hormones.. But they are better known as catecholamines (norepinephrine and epinephrine).. CatecholaWHAAAATTT??? (If you can say this word 10 times without messing up, a special prize is waiting for you.. :)))
Anyhow, the catecholamines help the body cope with physical and emotional stress when there's an emergency.. This, in simpler terms is the adrenaline rush. Remember when Edward Cullen saved Bella from the van? "You stopped the van! You pushed it away with your hand!" (You're probably sick of all the Twilight references huh? Too bad :P) Adrenaline rush was his reason for having that sexy, amazing kind of strength..
Norepinephrine is also called noradrenaline and epinephrine on the other hand, is also known as adrenaline..
The sixth endocrine gland is the pineal gland.. It secretes the hormone Melatonin.. This ladies and gentlemen is the substance responsible for the body's circadian rhythm.. I know, I know, WHAT THE F right? The circadian rhythm in baby terms is the sleep-wake cycle of the body.. It is the body's internal clock which plays an important role in when we wake up and when we fall asleep.. AMAZING.. :)
Melatonin production is increased during the night and drops in the morning.. Oh my goodness! I already have a faulty hypothalamus and now I have a faulty pineal gland too! I have a disrupted circadian rhythm.. Now that's a better way of saying I couldn't sleep.. NICE.. :))
Second to the last is the pancreas..
Norepinephrine is also called noradrenaline and epinephrine on the other hand, is also known as adrenaline..
The sixth endocrine gland is the pineal gland.. It secretes the hormone Melatonin.. This ladies and gentlemen is the substance responsible for the body's circadian rhythm.. I know, I know, WHAT THE F right? The circadian rhythm in baby terms is the sleep-wake cycle of the body.. It is the body's internal clock which plays an important role in when we wake up and when we fall asleep.. AMAZING.. :)
Melatonin production is increased during the night and drops in the morning.. Oh my goodness! I already have a faulty hypothalamus and now I have a faulty pineal gland too! I have a disrupted circadian rhythm.. Now that's a better way of saying I couldn't sleep.. NICE.. :))
Second to the last is the pancreas..
PHOTO and VIDEO CREDITS:
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