86Thousand400: The Endocrine System and it's relation to health

Definition: The endocrine system is the collection of glands of an organism that secrete hormones directly into the circulatory system to be carried towards distant target organs.

A hormone is a chemical messenger that manages the internal environment.

Glands secrete hormones into the blood stream and they unlock target cell.

Five glands and the hormones they produce are:

1. Pituatry (Brain): Growth hormone

2. Thyroid (Neck): Thyroid hormone (Metabolism)

3. Adrenal (Just above kidneys): Catecholemines (Adrenaline/Noradrenaline) & Corticosteroids (Cortisol)

4. Pancreas (Below stomach): Carbohydrate metabolism - Insulin/Glucagon

5. Ovaries/Testes Oestrogen/Testosterone.

Insulin & Glucagon stabilise glucose levels. Insulin is secreted when glucose levels are high. Glucagon is secreted when glucose levels are low.

The main actions of testosterone and oestrogen are growth, repair and storage (Women - Fats, Men - Muscle).

Adrenal glands produce adrenaline and cortisol and manage stress.

Aldosterone regulates balance of minerals sodium & potassium in blood.

Thyroid hormone is master of human metabolism.

Growth hormone is produced in the pituatry gland. Growth hormone is predominantly anabolic ie helps build up the body during rest.

Neuromuscular adaptations from training directly related to the nervous system: Improved reaction time, Greater force production, Improved timing of movements