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The Pineal Gland
It was called this because it is shaped like a pinecone. This gland produces two
main hormones:
Melatonin - This has a 24 hour cycle and inhibits reproductive processes during
darkness. However, if the cycle becomes erratic, a woman may remain barren.
Adrenoglomerulotropin, which stimulates the adrenal cortex into producing aldosterone, is
a vital hormone.
The Adrenal Cortex
This is triggered into the production of aldosterone by the Pineal gland. The
hormone aldosterone controls the electrolyte komeostasis between Na+ and K+.
There are also other hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. These are cortisol,
corticosterone and cortison, which ensure a sufficient energy supply by increasing the
production of proteins from amino acids.
They make glucose available during stress.
The Hypothalamus Gland
This is possibly one of the most important glands in the human body and is the only
entrance across the blood brain barrier. The hypothalamus produces two hormones,
which are;
o ADH - anti-diuretic hormone
o OT - oxytocin
It also acts as an intermediary between the endocrine system and the nervous system - the
two major control systems of the body.
The Pituitary Gland
This is a master gland and is attached
to the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland produces nine essential hormones.
These are:
o TSH - thyroid stimulating hormones
o OT - oxytocin
o ACTH - adrenocorticotropic hormone
o PRL - prolactin
o GH - growth hormone
o ADT - anti-diuretic hormone
o FSH - follicle stimulating hormone
o MSH - melanocyte stimulating hormone
o LH - luteinising hormone
The Thyroid Gland
This is another master gland. The
thyroid produces three essential hormones which are:
o T3 - triodothyronine
o T4 - thyroxin
o CT - calcitonin.
The Parathyroids Glands
There are two of these glands on each side of the neck, which produce PTH (parathyroid
hormone).
The parathyroid is essential for the conversion of amino acids into proteins and peptides,
increasing blood calcium levels, metabolism of calcium and lowering blood phospate levels.
Thymus Gland
This produces four hormones, which are:
o TF - thymic factor
o Thymosin
o THF - thymic humoral factor
o Thymopoietin.
The thymus also controls immune mechanisms, which protect us from invasive organisms and
disease. The four hormones that the thymus produces promote the maturation of
T-cells and B-cells, which aid our immune system.
However, as we grow older the thymus gland begins to atrophy and stops producing these
hormones.
The Adrenal Medulla
This is the gland that produces adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones produce
temporary adjustments, which contribute to an increase in the chances of survival in an
emergency, and are responsible for the 'fight or flight' responses.
The Pancreas
The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon. The pancreas also produces GHIF - growth
hormone inhibiting factor. It is this that stops us from over-growing in adulthood.
Digestion is a step by step process with carbohydrates being partially digested by
amylases in saliva, and then by the pancreatic juice. Fat digestion is initiated
when lipase is secreted from the pancreas, but first, bile salts from the liver have to
emulsify fat. These salts are stored in the gall bladder until required.
Proteins start being digested in the stomach and then in the duodenum, then are broken
down by the pancreatic juice.
The Ovaries
These produce the hormones, oestrgen and progesterone.
It is these hormones that maintain the female characteristics, controlling pregnancy,
preparing the mammary glands for lactation and controlling the menstrual cycle.
During the birth, a hormone called ralixin is produced which dilates the cervix.
It is extremely important for a woman to prepare in advance for a pregnancy where at all
possible.
The formation of the placenta is dependant upon nutritional and hormone levels present
before conception. The placenta is rich in progesterone, oestrogen, relaxin and HCG
(human chorionic gonadotropin).
More Information
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