By: Hayley HicksEmily Cantu

Ashley Cardwell

THE PINEAL GLAND

THE PANCREAS

By: Macey McWhorterJack Harris

Pancreas

Location in the Body

The pancreas is about 6 inches long, and sits across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach.

Hormones and Type of Hormones the gland produces

The pancreas produces two antagonistic hormones that control blood sugar: glucagon and insulin. The pancreas also produces somatostatin.

Affect these hormones have on the body

Insulin and Glucagon regulate in the blood, and Somatostatin prevents the release of insulin and glucagon

Why these hormones are important to maintain homeostasis

If the blood sugar is too low then the hormone glucagon can raise the blood glucose level. However if it gets too high than insulin is released which lowers the blood glucose level.

Feedback Mechanisms and Antagonistic Hormones

The control of blood glucose levels operates by what is known as a negative feedback mechanism. When the blood sugar level rises in the body, the pancreas will detect the rise and release insulin into the bloodstream, thus lowering the blood sugar levels. Once the blood sugar levels fall, the pancreas stop pumping out insulin. Glucagon does the opposite.

If conditions are lower than limit of homeostasis the antagonistic hormones. Several cells in the pancreas called pancreatic islets contain two kinds of cells: alpha cells and beta cells. These cells control blood glucose concentration by producing the antagonistic hormones insulin and glucagon.

Releasing Hormones and Glands, and Release-Inhibiting Hormones and Glands

The pancreas secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon to control blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Somatostatin is a hormone produced to halt the release of pancreatic hormones. It is secreted in the delta cells of the pancreas.

What happens if the gland does not function properly

All the body’s cells use glucose (sugar) as an energy source. The level of sugar in the blood is kept constant by insulin, which is made by special cells in the pancreas. If the cells are not working properly and insulin is lacking then diabetes develops.

What can be done medically to correct the problems of the gland not functioning properly

There are many pancreatic enzyme preparations available and some are more effective than others. How much of the enzyme replacement you require will be determined by your doctor but sometimes up to 20-30 capsules every day are required. You may also need to take a tablet to reduce the level of acid in the stomach so that the pancreatic enzyme supplements can work better. The capsules are often taken with meals or snacks.

Pineal Gland

Location in the Body

The pineal gland is located in the brain just above the cerebellum.

Hormones and Type of Hormones the gland produces

The hormone that the pineal gland produces is melatonin. Melatonin maintains cardiac rhythm and also regulates some reproductive hormones. The secretion of melatonin is dictated by light.

Affect these hormones have on the body

Melatonin controls your sleep and wake cycles. You can get melatonin as a supplement to help with jet lag, and melatonin is also found in some foods.

Why these hormones are important to maintain homeostasis

Melatonin helps maintain homeostasis by regulating the internal clock as well as keeping a normal heart rate. This helps keep blood flow throughout the body as well as helps you know when you need to go to sleep in order to regain energy.

Feedback Mechanisms and Antagonistic Hormones

The source of the human body’s circadian rhythms lies in the suprachiasmatic nuclei, SCN.

In day SCN greatly decreases the production of melatonin created by the Pineal Gland, and increases at night.

Releasing Hormones and Glands, and Release-Inhibiting Hormones and Glands

The glands that secrete the hormones are ductless. This means that the hormones are released directly into the bloodstream. And travel elsewhere into the body.

What happens if the gland does not function properly

In humans and other animals, the pineal gland produces hormones that have important endocrine functions. For example, in several vertebrate species, pineal hormones influence sexual development, hibernation, and seasonal breeding. Depend on what age the person was when it was removed, major impacts would be a severe imbalance in the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythms) and sexual maturity, but as with most things to do with neurotransmitters the results would be unpredictable.

What can be done medically to correct the problems of the gland not functioning

properly

If the pineal gland is not working properly it can cause tumors, sexual dysfunction, hypertension, epilepsy, Paget disease, and cancer. Symptoms can include loss of energy and bad skin.