{"id":52441,"date":"2019-07-11T18:50:45","date_gmt":"2019-07-11T18:50:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=52441"},"modified":"2026-03-25T11:45:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T16:45:19","slug":"endocrine-system","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/endocrine-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Endocrine System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t<div id=\"mmDeferVideoEncompass_qme4lf_ekCw\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> \n\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" id=\"videoThumbnailImage_qme4lf_ekCw\" data-source-videoID=\"qme4lf_ekCw\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" alt=\"Endocrine System Video\" height=\"464\" width=\"825\" class=\"size-full\" data-matomo-title = \"Endocrine System\">\n\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<style>img#videoThumbnailImage_qme4lf_ekCw:hover {cursor:pointer;} img#videoThumbnailImage_qme4lf_ekCw {background-size:contain;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/316-endocrine-system-1-1.webp\");}<\/style>\n\t\t\t<script defer>\n\t\t\t  jQuery(\"img#videoThumbnailImage_qme4lf_ekCw\").click(function() {\n\t\t\t\tlet videoId = jQuery(this).attr(\"data-source-videoID\");\n\t\t\t\tlet helpTag = '<div id=\"mmDeferVideoYTMessage_qme4lf_ekCw\" style=\"display: none;position: absolute;top: -24px;width: 100%;text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size: small;border-top: 1px solid #fc0;\">Having trouble? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v='+videoId+'\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to watch on YouTube.<\/a><\/span><\/div>';\n\t\t\t\tlet tag = document.createElement(\"iframe\");\n\t\t\t\ttag.id = \"yt\" + videoId;\n\t\t\t\ttag.src = \"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/\" + videoId + \"?autoplay=1&controls=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0&egm=0&iv_load_policy=3&hd=0&enablejsapi=1\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.frameborder = 0;\n\t\t\t\ttag.allow = \"autoplay; fullscreen\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.width = this.width;\n\t\t\t\ttag.height = this.height;\n\t\t\t\ttag.setAttribute(\"data-matomo-title\",\"Endocrine System\");\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_qme4lf_ekCw\").html(tag);\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_qme4lf_ekCw\").prepend(helpTag);\n\t\t\t\tsetTimeout(function(){jQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoYTMessage_qme4lf_ekCw\").css(\"display\", \"block\");}, 2000);\n\t\t\t  });\n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\n<p><script>\nfunction CD9_Function() {\n  var x = document.getElementById(\"CD9\");\n  if (x.style.display === \"none\") {\n    x.style.display = \"block\";\n  } else {\n    x.style.display = \"none\";\n  }\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"moc-toc hide-on-desktop hide-on-tablet\">\n<div><button onclick=\"CD9_Function()\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/toc2.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"show or hide table of contents\"><\/button><\/p>\n<p>On this page<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<nav id=\"CD9\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#What_is_the_endocrine_system\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">What is the endocrine system?<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Pituitary_Gland\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Pituitary Gland<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#The_Anterior_Pituitary\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">The Anterior Pituitary<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Posterior_pituitary\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Posterior pituitary<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Thyroid_gland\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Thyroid gland<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Parathyroid_gland\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Parathyroid gland<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Adrenal_glands\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Adrenal glands<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Ovaries\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Ovaries<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Estrogen\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Estrogen<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Progesterone\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Progesterone<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Testes\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Testes<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion\"><input id=\"transcript\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"transcript\">Transcript<\/label>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"transcript-spoiler\">\n<p>Hey, guys! Welcome to this Mometrix video about the endocrine system.<\/p>\n<p>The endocrine system plays an important role in our bodies. It regulates several critical functions including growth, reproduction, and stress. In this video, we\u2019ll delve into these different functions and see how useful it is in our everyday lives.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"What_is_the_endocrine_system\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>What is the endocrine system?<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe endocrine system consists of a series of glands that produce and secrete hormones. Those hormones regulate several human body functions, including growth, sexual function, and reproduction. <\/p>\n<p>The endocrine system contains the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, and the ovaries in females and the testicles in males. These glands are in or near a number of organs, including the brain, kidneys, and the pancreas. Let\u2019s take a more detailed look.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Pituitary_Gland\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Pituitary Gland<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe pituitary gland is a small organ with a big responsibility. The gland is only the size of a pea, but it\u2019s referred to as the \u201cmaster gland\u201d because it secretes hormones throughout your body. These hormones direct body processes or (force) other glands to produce hormones. <\/p>\n<p>The pituitary gland has two parts &#8212; the anterior, located at the front of the gland, and the posterior, located on the rear. The anterior and posterior sections each produce specific hormones. Let\u2019s take a closer look at the two.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"The_Anterior_Pituitary\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>The Anterior Pituitary<\/h2>\n<p>\nWe\u2019ll start with the anterior pituitary, which produces far more hormones than the posterior. We\u2019re going to take a look at nine of these hormones.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Growth_Hormone_(GH)\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Growth Hormone (GH)<\/h3>\n<p>\nFirst, the growth hormone, or, GH. This hormone stimulates growth focusing on the bones and muscles. GH stimulates growth in children and then, in adults, helps maintain muscle and bone mass.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Prolactin\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Prolactin<\/h3>\n<p>\nNumber two is prolactin. Nearly 8 in 10 mothers breastfeed their newborn babies, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Prolactin plays a critical role because that\u2019s the hormone that stimulates breast milk production. Prolactin always affects sex hormone levels and fertility in women and men. <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Adrenocorticotropic_Hormone\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Adrenocorticotropic Hormone<\/h3>\n<p>\nNext, we have the adrenocorticotropic hormone. Adrenocorticotropic stimulates cortisol, the so-called stress hormone. It\u2019s also known for controlling the human \u201cfight or flight\u201d instinct and works with the brain to manage emotions like mood and fear. Cortisol also plays several other important roles. It increases glucose, which increases blood sugar. It also regulates blood pressure, boosts energy, and manages the carbohydrate, fat, and protein use in the body. When the body is under stress, it produces more cortisol.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Endorphine\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Endorphine<\/h3>\n<p>\nNumber four is endorphins. When you feel pain or pleasure, you have endorphins to thank. Endorphins are often referred to as the body\u2019s natural pain-killer, but the hormone is also the body\u2019s pleasure center. The body releases endorphins during periods of stress, including exercise, and works with the brain to lessen our perception of pain.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Enkephalins\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Enkephalins<\/h3>\n<p>\nNext, we have enkephalins. These are closely related to endorphins because they also release hormones that help control pain. <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"BetaMelanocyteStimulating_Hormone\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Beta-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone<\/h3>\n<p>\nNumber six is the beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, this helps protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. It also can help suppress appetite. <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Luteinizing_Hormone\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Luteinizing Hormone<\/h3>\n<p>\nFor number seven we have the Luteinizing hormone which helps stimulate testosterone production in men and estrogen production in women.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"FollicleStimulating_Hormone\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Follicle-Stimulating Hormone<\/h3>\n<p>\nNext, we have the follicle-stimulating hormone, this hormone has a different function in men and in women. In women, the hormone helps produce estrogen and egg growth, while in men, this hormone is critical in sperm production.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"ThyroidStimulating_Hormone\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone<\/h3>\n<p>\nFinally, number nine is the thyroid-stimulating hormone. This is your regulatory machine because it regulates the number of hormones the thyroid releases. It\u2019s critical to metabolism.<\/p>\n<p>Those are the components of the anterior pituitary. Now, we\u2019ll look at the two components of the posterior pituitary.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Posterior_pituitary\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Posterior pituitary<\/h2>\n<h3><span id=\"Vasopressin\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Vasopressin<\/h3>\n<p>\nFirst, we\u2019ll look at vasopressin. It\u2019s the hormone that helps the body prevent dehydration by helping you conserve water. That\u2019s why it\u2019s called the antidiuretic hormone.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Oxytocin\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Oxytocin<\/h3>\n<p>\nSecondly, there\u2019s oxytocin. This one works hand-in-hand with prolactin. While prolactin stimulates breast milk production, oxytocin stimulates the release of breast milk. It also works in the uterus because it helps stimulate contractors during labor. <\/p>\n<p>Now, we\u2019ll move on to some of the other glands in the pituitary.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Thyroid_gland\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Thyroid gland<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck, and it\u2019s shaped like a butterfly. The thyroid gland controls how your body uses energy. It controls our metabolism but also regulates several bodily functions, including heart rate, breathing, and body weight. The thyroid produces two important hormones: triiodothyronine, called T3 for short, and thyroxine, called T4. Those hormones come from the iodine in the food we eat. When T3 and T4 enter our bloodstream, they regulate how fast our cells and metabolism work. For example, these hormones determine how fast or slow our heart beats and the rate at which our intestines process food. The pituitary gland, along with the hypothalamus in the brain, makes sure T3 and T4 are in balance. If they\u2019re not, that imbalance can cause health issues. For example, too much T3 and T4 can make you nervous and hyperactive. Too little can make you depressed, tired, and result in difficulty concentrating. <\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Parathyroid_gland\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Parathyroid gland<\/h2>\n<p>\nAs small as the pituitary gland is, it\u2019s a giant compared to the parathyroid glands. These four glands are all the size of a grain of rice. But their small size doesn\u2019t mean they have a small job. You see, the parathyroid glands regulate the body\u2019s calcium levels. You\u2019ve seen those commercials before, the ones that say calcium builds strong bones. Well, they\u2019re right. The parathyroid glands store calcium in our bones, where it\u2019s stored until other parts of our body need it. The glands also control how much calcium our bodies absorb from our food and how much calcium our kidneys excrete.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Adrenal_glands\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Adrenal glands<\/h2>\n<p>\nNow, we\u2019ve been in these situations before. Your palms get sweaty, your heart races, and it\u2019s all because of stress. That\u2019s the adrenal glands springing into action. The adrenal glands produce adrenaline, the hormone that triggers the fight or flight response in humans. And while that\u2019s what the adrenal glands are best known for, they have other functions as well. Let\u2019s dive into the adrenal glands and their functions. <\/p>\n<p>There are two adrenal glands, and they both sit on top of your kidneys.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Adrenal_Cortex\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Adrenal Cortex<\/h3>\n<p>\nThe adrenal cortex produces cortisol and aldosterone. We covered cortisol, the so-called stress hormone, earlier in the video. Aldosterone has a direct effect on regulating blood pressure because it conserves sodium, secretes potassium, and retains water. The adrenal cortex is located on the outer part of the adrenal gland. Every one of the hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex is vital to life. <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Adrenal_Medulla\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Adrenal Medulla<\/h3>\n<p>\nThe adrenal medulla, which is the inner part of the adrenal gland, produces several hormones including adrenaline, but the hormones produced by the adrenal medulla are not essential to life.<\/p>\n<p>Now, we\u2019ll move to the male and female reproductive systems.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Ovaries\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Ovaries<\/h2>\n<p>\nWomen have two ovaries that are critical to fertility. The ovaries, about the size of a large grape, produce eggs that can be fertilized. You might ask yourself why the ovaries are considered a hormone? Well it\u2019s because the ovaries secrete two hormones important to reproductive health &#8212; estrogen, and progesterone. Let\u2019s take a closer look at those hormones, starting with estrogen. <\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Estrogen\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Estrogen<\/h2>\n<p>\nEstrogen plays a critical role in female growth, development, and childbearing. There are actually three estrogens that all work together. <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Estradiol\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Estradiol<\/h3>\n<p>\nFirst, there\u2019s estradiol. Estradiol helps the female reproductive organs grow. The placenta produces estradiol, which is why estradiol levels rise during pregnancy.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Estrone\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Estrone<\/h3>\n<p>\nSecondly, there\u2019s estrone. If any hormone has ever gotten a bad name, it\u2019s this one. Estrone has been linked to moodiness and weight gain and is produced in a more prominent way during menopause.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Estriol\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Estriol<\/h3>\n<p>\nLastly, there\u2019s estriol. Estriol comes into play during pregnancy, when the body releases the hormone into the bloodstream. Estriol helps nourish the baby and the placenta. After birth, estriol levels in the body drop.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Progesterone\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Progesterone<\/h2>\n<p>\nProgesterone also plays an important part during pregnancy. After ovulation, progesterone helps get the uterus ready for a fertilized egg by thickening the uterine lining. If there\u2019s no fertilized egg present, the level of progesterone drops and then menstruation begins.<\/p>\n<p>So those are the female hormones. Now, let\u2019s talk about the male hormones.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Testes\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Testes<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe testes produce testosterone, a hormone critical to the physical development of boys. During puberty, testosterone production results in several body changes, including a lower voice, growing facial hair, becoming taller, and increasing muscle mass. As men, testosterone aids in sperm production, maintains strength and mass, and maintains sex drive.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s our overview of the endocrine system. It regulates several critical functions in our body, including growth, reproduction, and stress. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"citelist\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/a-to-z-guides\/what-is-cortisol#1\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cWhat Is Cortisol?\u201d WebMD<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hormone.org\/diseases-and-conditions\/pituitary\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cPituitary Gland Disorders | Hormone Health Network.\u201d 2013. Hormone.org<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.everydayhealth.com\/endorphins\/guide\/\"target=\"_blank\">Konkel, Lindsey. 2015. \u201cWhat Are Endorphins?\u201d EverydayHealth.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/human-body-maps\/pituitary-gland\"target=\"_blank\">Seladi-Schulman, Jill. 2018. \u201cPituitary Gland: Anatomy, Function, Diagram, Conditions, Health Tips.\u201d Healthline.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.endocrineweb.com\/conditions\/thyroid-nodules\/thyroid-gland-controls-bodys-metabolism-how-it-works-symptoms-hyperthyroi\"target=\"_blank\">Brady, Bridget. 2018. \u201cThyroid Gland: Overview.\u201d EndocrineWeb<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.endocrineweb.com\/endocrinology\/overview-parathyroid\"target=\"_blank\">Sargis, Robert M. 2019. \u201cAn Overview of the Parathyroid.\u201d EndocrineWeb<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.endocrineweb.com\/endocrinology\/overview-adrenal-glands\"target=\"_blank\">Sargis, Robert. 2019. \u201cAn Overview of the Adrenal Glands.\u201d EndocrineWeb<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sharecare.com\/health\/endocrine-system\/what-is-function-aldosterone-hormone\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cWhat Is the Function of Aldosterone Hormone? | Endocrine System.\u201d n.d. Sharecare.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotzehwc.com\/estrone-estradiol-and-estriol-a-quick-overview\/\"target=\"_blank\">Media, Colophon New, and Hotze Health. 2011. \u201cEstrone, Estradiol and Estriol &#8211; a Quick Overview.\u201d Hotze Health &#038; Wellness Center | Houston TX Hormone Replacement<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/womens-health\/low-progesterone#low-progesterone\"target=\"_blank\">\u201cLow Progesterone: Complications, Causes, and More.\u201d n.d. 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