Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters
 Electrochemical messengers:
 Catecholamines, consisting of epinephrine and norepinephrine
 Dopamine, Acetycholine, and Serotonin.

The Endocrine System
 Set of glands
 Works in close association with the autonomic nervous system
 Communicates via chemical substances like hormones
 Examples are adrenaline, cortisol, somatotropic hormone, gonadotropic hormone, etc.

Endocrine and autonomic systems work together
 Connection between the hypothalamus in the brain and the pituitary gland (“master gland”)
 The pituitary gland sends out hormones that communicates with other glands to send out hormones

Adrenal gland
 Located on top of each kidney
 Comprised of the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex.
 Adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine)
 Adrenal cortex secretes steroids (including mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens)
Thyroid gland
 Located in the neck
 Produces hormone (thyroxin) that regulates activity level and growth.
 Hypothyroidism: Insufficient thyroid hormones (leads to low activity levels and weight gain)
 Hyperthyroidism: Over-secretion of thyroid hormones (leads to hyperactivity and weight loss, insomnia, tremors, etc.)
Pancreas
 Located below the stomach
 Regulates level of blood sugar by producing insulin which absorbs blood sugar.
 Important gland in diabetes mellitus