The Adrenal Medulla Develops from neural tissues. Secretes two types of hormones, Epinephrine and or epinephrine These are secreted in response to stimulation by sympathetic nerve, especially during stressful situations.
• Lack of hormones from the adrenal medulla produces no significant effects,
• Hyper secretion, e.g., in case of a tumor, results in prolonged or continual sympathetic responses.
Gonads
• Primary reproductive organs are testes in the male and the ovaries in the female.
• These organs are responsible for producing the sperm and ova, but they also secrete other hormones, and that is why they are considered to be endocrine glands.
Testes
• Male sex hormones (as groups) are called androgens of which the most important and influential is ‘testosterone’; secreted by the testes.
• Small amount is also produced by the adrenal cortex.
• Production of testosterone begins before birth. i.e. during fetal development that continues for a short time after birth, nearly ceases during childhood, and then resumes at puberty. • This steroid hormone is responsible for:
O The growth and development of the male reproductive organs.
O Increase in the size of skeleton and muscular growth.
O Larynx enlargement, accompanied by voice changes.
O Growth and distribution of body hair.
O Increased male sexual drive.
• It’s secretion is controlled and regulated by a negative feedback system and involves release of hormones from the hypothalamus and gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary.
Ovaries
• Two groups of female sex hormones are produced in the ovaries i.e. Estrogens and Progesterone Contribute to the development and function of the female reproductive organs and sex characteristics. Estrogen Estrogen (on the onset of puberty) activates/ promotes:
o Development of female bodily characteristics.
o Distribution of fats in the body.
o Maturation of reproductive organs . Progesterone Causes the uterine lining to become thick, preparing uterus for pregnancy.
• Together both progesterone and estrogen are responsible for a number of changes occurring in the uterus.
