Why do we feel sleepy in a dark room?

The Pineal Gland, also known as the pineal body, conarium or epiphysis cerebri, is a small endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain. Nearly all vertebrate species possess a pineal gland. 

This gland produces melatonin, a serotonin derived hormone, which affects the modulation of sleep patterns in both seasonal and circadian rhythms. In humans, circadian rhythms are genetically programmed to synchronize with night and day. Darkness is the stimulus of the Pineal Gland, opposite of the stimulus of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus.

In the absence of light or melanopsin, melatonin is produced by the pineal gland. In humans, it induces an almost irresistible urge to sleep. Its primary function is to signal day length to the SCN so that it can synchronize the day/night cycle with:

• Endocrine rhythms
• Body temperature
• Glucose homeostasis
• Lipogenesis
• Locomotor activity

How much sleep do we really need?

Is clicking/pressing the snooze button helpful?

But what if you gradually lose the need to sleep?

The melatonin hormone can be used as a sleep aid and in the treatment of sleep disorders. It can be taken orally as capsules, tablets, or liquid.  It is also available in a form to be used sublingually, and there are transdermal patches. There have been few long-term clinical trials in the use of melatonin in humans.

REFERENCES:

• http://www.livescience.com/5269-study-sleepy.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineal_gland
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVQlcxiQlzI
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6zcSFA7ymo
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNhDkKAvxFk
• http://starshipearththebigpicture.com/2012/10/23/restoring-pineal-gland-endocrine-system-function-with-sungazing/
• http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/pineal-gland-and-circadian-rhythms

Somewhere, OVA-RY rainbow...

Female's Ultimate Weapons: THE OVARIES

The female reproductive organ which produces and releases sex hormones that govern physical characteristics and fertility. These two almond-shaped organs are essential for  ensuring the continued survival of  species by producing ova, or eggs, which are intended for fertilization.

 

ESTROGEN

Estrogen is primarily secreted by Corpus luteum. It works on breast development. It also induced growth of glandular and ductal tissue. It also facilitates the development of sex organs and other tissues related to reproduction and stimulation of endometrium before ovulation. It also takes part of bone growth and protective effect on heart. At pregnancy, it stimulates growth of uterus and breast tissue, inhibit active milk production, and relax pelvic ligaments. This hormone mainly targets External and internal reproductive organs and breast

PROGESTERONE

Progesterone is also one of the main hormones produced by corpus luteum. This hormone is also secreted by  placenta. This acts by stimulating secretion of endometrial glands which causes endometrial vessels to become dilated and tortuous in preparation for possible embryo implantation. At pregnancy, it induces growth of cells of fallopian tubes and uterine lining to nourish embryo; decreases contractions of uterus. This hormone also prepares breasts for lactation but inhibits prolactin secretion. This targets uterus and breast of a female individual.

RELAXIN AND INHIBIN

Relaxin, also secreted by corpus luteum which contributes to the flexibility of pubic symphysis during pregnancy and  dilation uterine cervix during labor and delivery. This targets uterus, uterine cervix and pubic symphysis.

Inhibin, on the other hand, is secreted by granulose cells of growing follicles and by the corpus luteum. This is the only one which inhibits the secretion of FSH and LH from anterior pituitary in which its name was derived. 

IF I WERE YOU.....DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN

REFERENCES:

1.    An Overview of the Ovaries - Estrogen, Progesterone, and Reproduction. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-ovaries

2.    Tortora, G. J., &Derrickson, B. (2009). Principles of anatomy and physiology. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

3.    Your hormones | The Pituitary Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pituitary.org.uk/information/what-is-the-pituitary-gland/hormones/

McGonads (I'm lovin' it)

McGonads (I'm lovin' it)

Why love gonads? 

Gonads = Life. Without gonads, reproduction would be impossible. And without reproduction, life would eventually come to an end. 

Basically, gonads are part of the endocrine and the reproductive system of both sexes. The female organs are called ovaries, while testes are those in males. In addition to producing gametes (which is their primary function), they also produce hormones. Prior to producing hormones, male and female gonads are first stimulated by sex hormones, called gonadotropins, from the anterior pituitary which are the: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). 

       
        These hormones influence the gonads in various ways. LH stimulates the testes and the ovaries to secrete hormones. FSH, on the other hand, aids in the maturation of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males. 

FOR THE GUYS OUT THERE:

Your gonads, the Testes, are responsible for producing millions of tiny sperm cells and testosterone. 
Testosterone is the most potent hormone belonging to the androgen group causing the development of male sex characteristics and maintains sex drive. However, it is more than just a male hormone. It increases red blood cell population (a good thing if you have anemia) and helps maintain a feeling of well-being. Particularly, this hormone in your body is responsible for the development of broad shoulders, deepening of your voice, growth of the penis, increased bone and muscle mass and rapid body hair growth. 

NOW, FOR THE LADIES:

The Ovaries are your gonads that produce the hormones, estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones ensure the proper development of the female sex characteristics and ensure fertility. 

Progesterone and Estrogen are both necessary for prepping the uterus prior to menstruation. Other functions of these hormones include: production and release of the egg cell, controlling sexual feelings and desire, prevent miscarriage/aid in pregnancy, and prepare the breasts for lactation. 

THANK YOU, HORMONES!

Wait! There's more...

DID YOU KNOW?

            ♀ Females are born 

with all the 

 eggs they'll ever have.

 

♂ Males don't start to make sperm until puberty, and 
   continue to make 
new supplies their  whole life. 

P.S. Love your gonads before they become goneads.

This blog post would not be possible without the following sources:

• Boundless. “Male and Female Gonads.” Boundless Anatomy and Physiology. Boundless, 27 Jun. 2014. Retrieved 03 Feb. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/physiology/textbooks/boundless-anatomy-and-physiology-textbook/the-endocrine-system-16/other-endocrine-tissues-and-organs-160/male-and-female-gonads-803-673/
• University of Rochester Medical Center. 2015. “The Endocrine System: Gonads”. Pediatric Endocrinology – Golisano Children’s Hospital [Internet]. Retrieved 03 Feb. 2015 from : http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/endocrinology/gonads.aspx
• Bailey R. 2015. Gonads-Testes and Ovaries Overview [Internet]. Retrieved 03 Feb. 2015 from : http://biology.about.com/od/humananatomybiology/ss/gonads.htm

Dwarves or Gaints?

Dwarfism is a disorder showing a short stature. It was first defined by the advocacy group Little People of America with heights of 4 feet 10 inches and below which is generally a result of a genetic or medical condition. Even though the criteria for dwarfism were extended to 5 feet, the average height of an adult with dwarfism is 4 feet. There are two types of dwarfism, the disproportionate and the proportionate. The disproportionate dwarfism is characterized by an average-sized torso with shorter limbs or a shorter trunk with distinct longer limbs. In proportionate dwarfism, on the other hand, the trunk and the limbs are proportionate but are short. There are 200 conditions that might have caused dwarfism. The proportionate dwarfism is caused by metabolic and hormonal disorders such as deficiency in growth hormones. One of the most common types of dwarfism is the skeletal dysplasia which is a genetic condition. It is an abnormal growth of bone that usually causes disproportionate dwarfism. 

Giantism is a peculiar condition that causes an abnormal growth in the young. It happens when the body of a child produces excessive amounts of growth hormones. The diagnosis for this condition should be done as early as possible. Treatments are available to stop the changes that may cause the person in growing far from the usual. This condition has become a problem especially to parents because of its difficulty in diagnosing due to the appearance of its symptoms that usually occurs when the normal childhood growth spurts. The primary cause of this condition is the tumor in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland produces the hormones that control most of the body’s functions. In the event that a tumor grows in this gland, it will produce more growth hormones than the body needs. Surgery in the tumor of the pituitary gland is also considered an effective treatment for giantism.

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces excessive growth hormone during adulthood. In this condition, the bones increase in size which inlodes those in the hands, feet, and face. This condition usually attacks the middle-aged adults. Acromegaly isn’t recognized immediately because it is not common and the physical changes occur gradually. If left untreated, the condition can lead to a more serious disease and may even become life-threatening. Treatments are now available to reduce the risk of complications caused by acromegaly and to improve the symptoms including the enlargement of the body features. 

   

These conditions can all be caused by a hormonal imbalance that could be from a malfunctioning gland. Genetic disorders can also be the beginning point of these conditions and thus early diagnosis must be observed so as to apply necessary intervention on time. Dwarfism, as said above, shows an unusual smaller size of the body of a person which makes it different to the two other conditions. Giantism and acromegaly are both conditions that show an excessive growth from a body part or even the whole stature of the person. The difference between these two is that giantism occurs in children while acromegaly targets the middle-aged adults. These three disorders can now be treated yet early diagnosis still leads the most important tools in correcting such conditions.

References:

• Acromegaly Definition - Diseases and Conditions - Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acromegaly/basics/definition/con-20019216
• Dwarfism Definition - Diseases and Conditions - Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dwarfism/basics/definition/con-20032297
• Gigantism: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/health/gigantism#TrendingNow7

Puberty changes everything!

Ahhh... Puberty. 

It is the cruellest period in your life where you transition from childhood to adulthood.  Yes, we're referring to the time where boys get a deeper voice and get hairy (but don't worry, not like in the picture). And the time where girls get wider hips and pronounced breasts. (And when both sexes get acnes all over their faces!) The physical characteristics we mentioned are brought about by puberty and are all secondary sex characteristics.

Secondary sex characteristics appear when your body matures and prepares itself for reproduction. It is caused by hormones of the endocrine system which are normally released during puberty. In females, the ovarian follicles mature every month after the onset of puberty. These maturing follicles release a hormone called estrogen which initiates the development and maintains the secondary sex characteristics in female. It targets hair follicles, mammary glands, breasts, and adipose tissue. Overall result is the growth of underarm and pubic hair, enlargement of breasts, and the accumulation of fats on hips and thighs. 

Secondary sex characteristics that develops during puberty

In males, the testes produce the hormone called testosterone which is responsible for the development and maintains the secondary sex characteristics in male. It targets hair follicles, muscles, bones, and also the larynx. This hormone would make the boys grow facial, body, underarm, and pubic hairs, increase muscles, grow taller, and have deeper voices.

Puberty hit early?

Now don't you worry. Puberty only happens once in our life! Once you got through this phase, you'll never have to experience it again! But, guys, don't take puberty as purely horrifying. Puberty prepares YOU and your body to be able to do the important things in life.

References:

• Chapter 13: Endocrine System [Internet]. [cited 2015 Feb 7] . Available from: http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/ap/holehaap/outlines/chapt13.pdf
• Greaver J. Secondary Sex Characteristics: Definition, Lesson & Quiz [Internet]. Educational Portal; [cited 2015 Feb 7] . Available from: http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/secondary-sex-characteristics-definition-lesson-quiz.html
• Boys' Secondary Sex Characteristics [Internet]. American Academy of Pediatrics; [2013 Jun 11, cited 2015 Feb 7] . Available from: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Boys-Secondary-Sex-Characteristics.aspx
• Girls' Secondary Sex Characteristics [Internet]. American Academy of Pediatrics; [2013 Jun 11, cited 2015 Feb 7] . Available from: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Girls-Secondary-Sex-Characteristics.aspx

Welcome readers!

Welcome to the world of Endocrine! We are a group of students from De La Salle University - Dasmarinas wanting to share unique facts, trivias and information about the Endrocrine System. May this blog boost your knowledge and serve as a fun and different way of learning! Happy reading!

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