Nervous System Report
Nervous System Report
Nervous System Report
Hypothalamus:
o located in the lower central part of the brain
o this part of the brain is important in regulation of satiety, metabolism, and body
temperature
o it secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress the release of hormones in the
pituitary gland
o many of these hormones are releasing hormones, which are secreted into an artery
(the hypophyseal portal system) that carries them directly to the pituitary gland,
these releasing hormones signal secretion of stimulating hormones
o hypothalamus also secretes a hormone called somatostatin, which causes the
pituitary gland to stop the release of growth hormone.
Pituitary Gland:
o is located at the base of the brain beneath the hypothalamus and is no larger than a
pea
o often considered the most important part of the endocrine system because it
produces hormones that control many functions of other endocrine glands
o When the pituitary gland does not produce one or more of its hormones or not
enough of them, it is called hypopituitarism.
o It is divided into two parts: the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe.
The anterior lobe produces the following hormones, which are regulated by the
hypothalamus:
❖ Growth hormone: Stimulates growth of bone and tissue (Growth hormone deficiency
results in growth failure. Growth hormone deficiency in adults results in problems in
maintaining proper amounts of body fat and muscle and bone mass. It is also involved in
emotional well-being.)
❖ Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid
hormones (A lack of thyroid hormones either because of a defect in the pituitary or the
thyroid itself is called hypothyroidism.)
❖ Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal gland to produce
several related steroid hormones
❖ Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Hormones that
control sexual function and production of the sex steroids, estrogen and progesterone in
females or testosterone in males
❖ Prolactin: Hormone that stimulates milk production in females
The posterior lobe produces the following hormones, which are not regulated by the
hypothalamus:
❖ Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin): Controls water loss by the kidneys
❖ Oxytocin: Contracts the uterus during childbirth and stimulates milk production
*The hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary are actually produced in the brain and carried
to the pituitary gland through nerves. They are stored in the pituitary gland.*
Thyroid Gland:
o located in the lower front part of the neck
o produces thyroid hormones that regulate the body's metabolism
o Plays a role in bone growth and development of the brain and nervous system in
children.
o thyroid hormones also help maintain normal blood pressure, heart rate,
digestion, muscle tone, and reproductive functions
Parathyroid Glands:
o are two pairs of small glands embedded in the surface of the thyroid gland, one
pair on each side
o release parathyroid hormone, which plays a role in regulating calcium levels in
the blood and bone metabolism
Adrenal Glands:
o are triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney
o are made up of two parts:
Outer part - adrenal cortex
- Produces hormones called corticosteroids, which regulate the body's
metabolism, the balance of salt and water in the body, the immune system,
and sexual function.
Inner part - adrenal medulla
- Produces hormones called catecholamines (for example, adrenaline).
These hormones help the body cope with physical and emotional stress by increasing the
heart rate and blood pressure.
Parathyroid:
o Attached to the thyroid are four tiny glands that work together called the
parathyroid
o Release parathyroid hormone, which controls the level of calcium in the blood
with the help of calcitonin which the thyroid makes.
Pineal:
o The pineal body, also called the pineal gland, is in the middle of the brain
o Secretes melatonin, a hormone that may help regulate when you sleep at night
and when you wake in the morning.
Reproductive Glands:
Gonads are the main source of sex hormones both guys and girls have gonads
o Male gonads or testes are in the scrotum that secrete hormones called androgens,
the most important of which is testosterone
▪ these hormones tell a guy's body when it's time to make the changes
associated with puberty, like penis and height growth, deepening voice,
and growth in facial and pubic hair
▪ working with hormones from the pituitary gland, testosterone also tells a
guy's body when it's time to make sperm in the testes.