Hypothalamus Reflex, Pineal, Pituitary, Hypothalamus

The endocrine system comprises glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. The major glands of the endocrine system are the pineal, pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, pancreas, adrenal glands, and reproductive. The reproductive system of the female is ovaries and male is testes.

Hormones send a chemical signal to different organs and tissues in the body. In response to the chemical signal from the hormones, the specific organ modifies the work or structure. The endocrine plays an important role in regulates mood, growth and development, tissue role, metabolism, sexual act, and reproductive processes.

1. The hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is in the lower central part of the brain; it is the main link between the endocrine and nervous systems. Major functions of the hypothalamus are preserving internal balance (homeostasis); it controls the body temperature, hunger, water balance, and sexual act. It controls the pituitary gland; either stimulates or suppresses hormonal secretions.

2. The pituitary
The pituitary is pea-sized gland; at the skull base, attached to the hypothalamus. It is the master endocrine gland; its hormone controls other endocrine glands such as thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands. Endorphins secreted by the pituitary; acts on the nervous system and reduces pain. Below is the set of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland:

1). Human-growth hormone manages growth and regulates metabolism.

2). Thyroid-stimulating hormone stimulates the thyroid gland, to secrete thyroid hormones.

3). Follicle-stimulating hormone produces immature egg cells in the ovaries and produces sperm in the testis.

4). Luteinizing hormone stimulates secretion of estrogen (development of sexual characteristics) and progesterone (thickening the lining of the uterus).

5). Prolactin stimulates milk production.

6). An adrenocorticotropic hormone secreted in the event of stress; it stimulates the secretion of glucocorticoids (cortisol) by the adrenal cortex.

7). Melanocyte-stimulating hormones exact role is unknown.

8). Oxytocin is also called as love hormone; it stimulates contraction of the uterus during childbirth, as well as milk production.

9) Antidiuretic hormone decreases urine volume to conserve water, decreases water loss through sweating, raises blood pressure by constricting arterioles.

3. The pineal gland
The pineal gland is in the middle of the brain, it produces hormone melatonin in the night. Melatonin is a derivative of serotonin and it is found throughout the body. Melatonin regulates circadian rhythm (daily bodily rhythms) of the body; is sleeping in the night (dark) and waking in the morning (light). Pineal gland is the "third eye."

The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus reflex point are in the middle of the second phalanx of the big toe. The pineal reflex point is on the lateral side of the big toe, above the pituitary reflex point.