Endocrine System -The endocrine system is a complex network of glandular tissues that secrete hormones directly into the

blood which are used by "target" organs. -controls a variety of important functions such as energy metabolism ,reproduction and stress response. -pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master gland" because it regulates the hormones used by the thyroid, adrenal cortex, ovaries, testes, and the breasts (in women). -The pituitary is located in the brain below the hypothalamus. It peaks in size in middle age and then gradually shrinks. Anterior pituitary Gland -Gh release is decreased resulting in a growth decline. -A decrease in the secretion of the growth hormone causes a decrease in the muscle mass and an increase in the storage of fat. Posterior Pituitary Gland -Aging shifts the serum vasopressin-serum osmolality relationship toward higher serum vasopressin levels probably due to altered baroreceptor input, probably contributing to the tendency toward hyponatremia in the elderly. Pineal Gland - -Melatonin which is the bodys biological clock often has a decreased function which results in the persons decreased sleeping pattern and is often experienced by elders. Thyroid gland -Aging decreases the metabolism of thyroxine, including its conversion to triiodothyronine, but clinically significant alterations of thyroid hormone levels do not occur. -As the thyroid gland changes, there will be a decrease in the secretion of the thyroid hormones which will lead to a decrease in the metabolic rate

-One of the results from this is an unawareness of temperature. There will be an intolerance to cold and hot days will not be noticed, thereby increasing the risk of heat stroke. Pancreas: Insulin Response -Insulin continues to be produced in sufficient quantities in older adults but their muscle cells may become less sensitive to the effects of insulin (probably due to a loss in the number of insulin receptor sites in the cell wall). -. Adult onset diabetes or Type II diabetes occurs when the body develops resistance to insulin. It is usually managed through diet, exercise, and oral hypoglycemic medications. -Sometimes people stop producing insulin and then insulin injections are needed. A number of studies indicate that adult onset diabetes is related to obesity and inactivity. Adrenal Glands The adrenals are located just above the kidney's and secrete several hormones including aldosterone and cortisol.

aldosterone levels are 30% lower in adults age 70 to 80 years old than in younger adults. Lower aldosterone levels may cause orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure with changes in position). cortisol is a stress response hormone that has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects. Secretion of cortisol diminishes by 25% with age although the significance of this remains unclear. DHEA blood levels decline with age. However, the functional consequences of this decline are not clear. - The failure to produce enough glucocorticoids can affect metabolism and the inability to deal with stress. -a decline in production will also reduce the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive qualities that they give.

-This means that the elderly are more prone to pain and infections.