Adrenals and Hypothalamus:
The Endocrine System is a collection of endocrine glands that produce hormones which are used as chemical messengers throughout the body to help regulate vital processes including metabolism, growth, sleep, and reproduction.
Today we look at the function of the adrenals and the hypothalamus.
The adrenal glands are above the kidneys and are responsibe for the stress response. They produce:
- Cortisol (stress)
- Norepinephrine & epinephrine/adrenaline (“fight or flight”)
- Aldosterone (blood pressure, pH, electrolytes) small amounts of sex hormones.
The hypothalamus is in the brain (above pituitary) and serves as a “Liaison” between the nervous and endocrine systems. It signals the pituitary to secrete hormones and regulates homeostasis (body’s internal balance). It produces:
- Thyrotropin-releasing hormone
- Growth hormone-releasing hormone
- Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (somatostatin)
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
- Corticotropin-releasing hormone
- Oxytocin
- Dopamine
- Vasopressin
