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Endocrine system

Posterior pituitary hormones It prepares the body wherever there is a
The posterior pituitary does not produce frightening or an anxious situation. This
its own hormones but rather stores and hormone is produced and released into
releases hormones that are produced by the bloodstream causing an increase in
the hypothalamus. These hormones are blood pressure. Thus, the rate of heartbeat,
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essential for a range of body functions: blood sugar level and supply of blood to
the muscles increases. Adrenaline can also
(a) Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): be produced during passion, anxiety, pain,
ADH, plays a critical role in regulating excitement and shock. Aldosterone is the
water balance in the body. It acts on hormone that controls the amount of water
the kidneys to assist in reabsorption of and salts content in the body. The hormone
water thus reduce water loss through stimulates the conservation of sodium ions
urine, helping the body conserve and chloride ions and removal of potassium
water. ADH release is stimulated ions. It also prevents the loss of sodium ions
by dehydration or high blood salt through urine and saliva, thus maintains
concentrations, ensuring that the osmotic concentration.
body maintains fluid balance. It also
constricts blood vessels, increasing Cortisol is another hormone produced by
blood pressure, which is why ADH the adrenal gland. Its function is to stimulate
is also referred to as vasopressin. the metabolism of carbohydrates and

(b) Oxytocin: Oxytocin is often referred proteins by promoting gluconeogenesis
to as the “love hormone” or “bonding and breakdown of plasma proteins. It also
hormone” because it is involved helps in the prevention of inflammation and
in childbirth and lactation, it also allergic reactions.
plays a role in emotional bonding.
During labour, oxytocin stimulates Thyroid hormones
uterine contractions, helping with These are hormones produced and released
the birth process. After delivery, it by the thyroid gland. Thyroid gland is
promotes the ejection of milk from found in the neck region. It has two lobes
the mammary glands in response to united into a single gland by a thin strip of
suckling. Oxytocin is also involved tissue called isthmus. The thyroid gland
in promoting social bonding and trust is surrounded by collagenous connective
between individuals and plays a role tissues. Thyroxine is an iodine containing
in sexual reproduction. hormone which is secreted by this gland.
The role of this hormone is to regulate
The pituitary gland is integral to the the basal metabolic rate of different food
regulation of many vital functions in substances such as carbohydrates, proteins
glands include adrenaline, aldosterone and and lipids. Also, thyroxine promotes
cortisol. Adrenaline prepares the body for normal skeletal growth and it is essential
emergency during fight or flight action. for normal growth and development of the

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