endocrine system anatomy physiology yoga corelation education ghantali thane ghatkopar diploma

1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
&
YOGIC CORELATION
DIPLOMA IN YOGA EDUCATION
GHANTALI MITRA MANDAL
Ghatkopar

2. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
 The Endocrine System is concerned in the maintenance of Homeostasis (
internal balance / aantarik santulan ) in the body
 The Endocrine glands function in close association with the Nervous
System in maintenance of Homeostasis
 Hypothalamus is the bridge between the Endocrine System & Nervous
System through its influence on the Master Gland – Pituitary Gland

3. Endocrine system functions  It controls …..
 Growth and development
 Metabolism ( Body energy levels)
 Sexual functions , Reproduction , birth & lactation
 Heart rate
 Blood pressure
 Appetite
 Sleeping & waking cycles
 Body Temperature
 Response to stimuli (stress and /or injury)
 Absorption of Nutrients
 Water & Electrolyte balance
Thus - Maintains Homeostasis ( the internal balance of body systems )

4. There are two types of glands in the body :
1. EXOCRINE - have ducts to carry their secretion to the target organs
eg. Salivary, sweat, tear glands…
2 ENDOCRINE - Ductless glands :
- secretions ( hormones ) poured direct into blood
which then carries it to the target organs
- These glands are components of the Endocrine System
The term HORMONE derived from Greek word – “ hormone “ means- to
arouse/excite
ENDO – within KRINEIN – to separate

5. ENDOCRINE- Ductless glands : are components of Endocrine System
Produce secretions – hormones- chemical messengers –chemical signals
Features of Hormones
 Hormone secretions are the function of the Autonomous Nervous System
 Released directly into the blood and transported to the target organs
through the blood
 Hormones are chemical messengers , controlling & coordinating
activities throughout the body
 Chemically may be amines , steroids or protein & peptides
 Hormones cannot be stored in the glands or body
 Secreted as per requirement

6. Features of Hormones ..contd
 Most secretions are controlled by negative feedback mechanism
 Hormones are molecules released by a group of cells in the body that
influence the behavior of another group of cells.
 Basically Hormones are carried to their target cells ( ‘ T ‘ cells in the Target
Organs ) in the bloodstream .
 The Target cells/organs are far away from where the hormones are produce
 Not stored in body – produced when needed.
 Pulsatile secretions as & when needed

7. Features of Hormones …contd
 Blood concentration of hormones is extremely small.
 It ranges from /picogram ( one millionth of one millionth of a gram ) in each ml of blood ..upto
few micrograms ( few millionths of a gram )
 So- basically nano quantities.
 Diurnal variation ( fluctuations during the day )
 Different levels in different individuals
 Works on feedback mechanism
 Some hormones e.g Norepinephrine & epinephrine secreted within seconds
 Some hormones e.g Thyroxine , GH – may require months for full effect

8. POSITIVE & NEGATIVE FEEDBACKS
Hormone Regulation Mechanisms
POSITIVE FEEDBACK
Process which causes a self amplifying cycle where a
physiological change leads to an even greater
change in the same direction.
Increases the change in the same direction
Ex :Childbirth , Ovulation , Lactation
NEGATIVE FEEDBACK Process in which the body senses a change activates
mechanisms to reverse that change
Reverses the change in the same direction
Ex : Sugar , BP , Body Temp , Blood pH

9. ENDOCRINE GLANDS EXOCRINE GLANDS
They are ductless glands They are glands with ducts
They secrete chemicals called hormones (
amines , steroids or proteins & peptides )
Their secretion may be enzymes, sweat,
oil, or tears
They are transported by the blood to
target cells in target organs which are far
away from the source of production
The ducts transport these secretions to a
region close to the source of production
eg Adrenal Gland ,Thyroid gland eg. Sweat gland, Salivary gland,
Sebaceous ( oil ) glands , Tear glands etc

10. HORMONES ENZYMES
Secretion of Endocrine Glands Secretions of Exocrine glands
Chemically may be amines , steroids or protein
& peptides
Chemically always proteins
Transported by blood Transported by ducts
Reaction occurs away from the site of secretion
in target cells or organs.
Reaction occurs close to the site of secretion
They may accelerate or inhibit specific activity Always accelerate chemical reactions
Their action may be slow or quick Their action is always quick

11. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
The major glands of the endocrine system
 hypothalamus – bridge between Nervous & Endocrine System
 pituitary gland,
 pineal gland,
 thyroid gland
 parathyroid
 thymus gland
 adrenal glands
 pancreas
 gonads - (sexual glands- ovaries, testes)

12.  HYPOTHALAMUS : located in the brain
Link between Nervous and Endocrine Systems
 PINEAL : is located near the third ventricle of the brain and has a rich blood supply .
smallest endocrine gland
 PITUITARY : It is tiny pea sized, situated below the mid brain .
Has 2 lobes- Anterior & Posterior
 THYROID : the largest of all the endocrine glands, situated in the neck in front of the trachea
Butterfly shape -has 2 lobes
 PARATHYROID : are four small pea shaped glands attached to and behind
the thyroid - neck

13.  THYMUS : Located in the chest behind sternum.
Its size starts decreasing around adolescence.
 ADRENAL : These are cap shaped in the abdomen & above each Kidney.
There are two parts, outer cortex and inner medulla.
 PANCREAS : Flattened leaflike structure in the abdomen below the stomach
Has two parts, one is Exocrine and other is Endocrine
Endocrine part (Islets of Langerhams ) contains of 3 types of cells Alpha
Beta and Delta cells
 GONADS : Are reproductive/ Sexual glands.
Females- A pair of ovaries - present in the abdomen.
Males - A pair of testes - present in the abdomen.

14. HYPOTHALAMUS

15. HYPOTHALAMUS
 Situated in the brain, and is attached to the pituitary via a stalk like structure.
 Hypothalamus, therefore, links the nervous & endocrine systems by way of the pituitary
gland
 Plays significant role in the functioning of the Endocrine System
 Helps to stimulate or inhibhit many of the body’s key processes
 Thus- over all responsible for maintaining the internal balance / homeostasis of the body
 Hypothalamus controls the endocrine glands through its control on the Master Gland –
Pituitary - ( H-P-O axis )

16. HYPOTHALAMUS & EMOTIONS
 Hypothalamus is the seat of emotions
 Emotions influence secretion of hormones.
 Emotions affect the Target Organs through the
Pituitary- H-P-O Axis.

17. PITUITARY

18. ANTERIOR LOBE POSTERIOR LOBE
PITUITARY
GLAND
LOCATION-
attached to the
hypothalamus
STRUCTURE - tiny
pea sized- 2 lobes-
anterior & posterior
FUNCTION
PRL-
Prolactin
helps in
lactation
Antidiuretic hormone
(ADH) / Vasopressin
Reduces urine formation
formation
GH- Growth
Hormone –
Somatotropin
regulates normal
body growth
Oxytocin-
contraction of uterus &
related to menstrual cycle
FSH – Follicle
Stimulating Hormone –
Stimulates testes to
produce sperms
& ovaries to produce
ova ( eggs )
TSH – Thyroid
Stimulating
Hormone –
Stimulates thyroid
gland in
producing its
hormones
LH- Lutinizing Hormone –
Stimulates testes to
produce testosterone
& ovaries to produce
Progesterone & Oestrogen
ACTH- Adrenocorticotropic
Hormone – stimulates synthesis of
glucocorticoids from adrenal cortex

19. production of hormones –
MELATONIN & its precursor
Serotonin hormone
PINEAL
LOCATION –
midbrain
STRUCTURE –
small pinecone shape
FUNCTION
MELATONIN
• Regulates sleep patterns “ Wake-Sleep/ Day-night “ cycle
( circadian cycle )
• Plays important role in the neuro-endocrine axis
• Regulates reproductive hormone levels
• Suppresses Gonadotropin hormone ( sex hormone ) in Pituitary
• Regulates metabolic rate
• Antioxidant effect : It is an endogenous antioxidant
Immunity – Immunostimulant effect.
SEROTONIN – ( Happy hormone )
( also produced in the brain stem )
key hormone that..
- stabilizes mood , feelings of happiness
& well-being
- Enables communication between brain &
other nervous system cells

20. Pineal in Yoga
 Commonly referred to as “ third eye “for several reasons
 Located deep in the centre of the brain
 Associated with Ajna chakra – Telepathy , clairvoyance
 Seat of Intution
 Believed to serve as a metaphysical connection between the
physical & spiritual worlds

21. THYROID AND PARATHYROID

22. Secretes -
Triiodothyronine(T3)
Thyroxine(T4)
Calcitonin
THYROID GLAND
LOCATION- throat STRUCTURE –
Butterfly shaped.
2 lobes
FUNCTION
T3 & T4 work together
(Iodine required for formation of thyroid hormones)
• Regulation of BMR, body temperature, body weight
& several other important body parameters
• Responsible for normal growth-improves mental
alertness
• release controlled by TSH from pituitary through
stimulation of hypothalamus.
• Excitement & anxiety stimulates secretion of TSH
Calcitonin –
• Responsible for calcium metabolism
• Reduces blood calcium (by depositing
in the bones from the blood )

23. Secretes Parathormone (PTH)
Increases blood calcium
Works along with Calcitonin
hormone in regulation of calcium
levels in blood
PARATHYROI
D
LOCATION –
Attached to the
posterior side of the
thyroid gland
STRUCTURE –
4 small pea shaped
glands
FUNCTION
Decreased levels of
Thyroid Hormones
HYPOTHYROIDISM
Increased levels of
Thyroid Hormones
HYPERTHYROIDISM

24. HYPOTHYROIDISM – DECREASED
LEVELS
HYPERTHYROIDISM - INCREASED
LEVELS
Low Heart Rate Increase in Heart rate
Low blood pressure Increase in Blood pressure
Low respiratory rate Increase in Respiratory rate
Lowers hunger & Lower BMR Increase in Hunger/ increase BMR
Increase in body weight - overweight Loss of weight
Sluggishness in digestive system-leads to
constipation
Hyper activity of digestive system – loose
motions
Lethargy Hyperactive
Low body temperature Increase body temperature – more sweating
Muscle weakness & Nervousness Tremors in fingers

25. THYMUS GLAND

26. Secretes THYMOSIN Hormone
THYMUS
LOCATION –
located in chest behind
the sternum
STRUCTURE –
Soft, triangular shaped
organ
FUNCTION
• Functions as commando to immune system
• Production & supply of antibodies as & when
required
• Alertness
• Immunity & Defense
• Very important for body for fight against
infections
• Growth up to puberty after which it takes a
back stage

27. Adrenal Cortex

28. ADRENAL CORTEX
Secretes 3 hormones
1. Mineralocorticoids
2. Glucocorticoids
3. Sex corticoids
ADRENAL MEDULLA-
Secretes Adrenalin &
Nor-Adrenaline
ADRENAL GLAND
LOCATION – fits
like a cap above
each kidney
FUNCTION
Eg. Aldosterone
1. regulates minerals -
metabolism of K+ &
Na+ ions.
2. Stimulates kidneys
to retain Na+ ions
Sodium ) + &
3. to excrete K+ ions
( Potassium )
ROLE OF ADRENALIN
1. Stimulates breakdown of glycogen
in muscles & hence increases glucose
level in blood
2. Increases the contractility of muscles.
3. Helps body to adapt to various
situations such as stress, trauma,
fasting, starvation etc..
1. ‘Emergency hormone’ or
the’ flight or fight Hormone’
5.Secretions controlled by
Sympathetic Nervous System
STRUCTURE –
Outer- adrenal cortex
Inner- adrenal medulla
Eg. Cortisones……
Hydrocortisone is
Cortisol
1. Concerned with
carbohydrate &
protein metabolism
2. increase in BP
3. Increase in Blood
glucose
4. decrease in
allergic rxns
5. Anti Inflamatory
6. Cope with stress
Eg. Androgens
Gondocorticoids – responsible for
secondary sexual
characteristics,reproduction
general growth , healing &
maintenance of the body

29. PANCREAS

30. EXOCRINE GLAND –
pancreatic Juice- transported by
pancreatic duct to the duodenun
ENDOCRINE -Islets of Langerhams
ALPHA ,BETA ,DELTA CELLS
hormones – transported by blood –
to target organs
PANCREAS
LOCATION - below the
stomach, at the loop of
the duodenum
STRUCTURE –
Flattened Leaf like
FUNCTION
ALPHA CELLS-
secrete GLUCAGON– converts
glycogen stored in the liver into
glucose.
Increases blood glucose level
BETA CELLS-
secrete INSULIN –
converts excess glucose in blood into
glycogen to be stored in the liver
Decreases blood glucose levels
HYPOSECRETION- of insulin causes diabetes.
cells –unable to convert glucose to glycogen –
increases level of glucose in blood –hyperglycemia
HYPERSECRETION – increased secretion of
insulin - decreases level of glucose –
hypoglycemia
DELTA CELLS-
secrete SOMATOSTATIN-
Inhibits secretion of the other
pancreatic hormones – insulin
& glucagon

31. GONADS – MALE / FEMALE

32. MALE GONADS FEMALE GONADS

33. FEMALES - pair of ovaries
in the abdomen.
MALES - pair of testes
in the abdomen.
GONADS
REPRODUCTIVE GLANDS
LOCATION
FUNCTION
OVARIES – Females
produces female hormones
Estrogen , Progesterone & eggs
Estrogen stimulates development of
female secondary sex characteristics
Progesterone & Estrogen- both play a role
during menstruation & pregnancy
& prepare the body for child birth.-
TESTES- Males
Produces male hormone Testosterone
& sperm
- stimulates development of male secondary
sex characteristics,
- increase in height,
- maintaining sex drive,
- maintaining health level of muscle & bone mass
PLACENTA –temporary endocrine gland &
produces hormones essential for foetal growth.

34. LOCATION OF MOST OF THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS IS IN THE AREA OF CHAKRAS
Chakras
sukshma sharir
Endocrine Glands
Sthul sharir
MOOLADHAR CHAKRA ADRENAL , GONADS ( SEXUAL GLANDS )
SWADHISHTAN CHAKRA GONADS ( SEXUAL GLANDS )
MANIPUR CHAKRA ADRENALS , PANCREAS
ANAHAT CHAKRA THYMUS
VUSHUDDHI CHAKRA THYROID , PARATHYROID
AJNA CHAKRA PINEAL
SAHASRAR CHAKRA PITUATORY

35. YOGIC CO-RELATION
 TRATAK- OM CHANTING - YAM/NIYAM –
 All yogic practices , in general – done with closed eyes -
- has , therefore , direct effect on pineal gland
- production of melatonin by pineal gland depends on darkness .
- improves intuitive powers , knowledge , expansion of inner awareness
 All yogic practices bring about reduction in stress
Helpful in appropriate release of hormones
 Omkar chanting specially Makara chanting directly effects the Pineal & Pituitary
in a positive manner
 Antartrataka stimulates the Pineal & Pituitary
 Stimulation of Pituitary–the master gland has positive influence of entire System

36. Tratak – Om Chanting – Yam / Niyam
 Neuro – Endocrine Axis stabilized
 positive and calming effect on mind.
 emotional stability and harmony
 Stress relief
 positive effect on the Endocrine System through the influence on
the hypothalamus & pituitary gland
 Regulation of hormones
 maintenance of Homeostasis

37. ASANAS
Asanas balance the hormonal secretions from the various glands .
 Twisting , bending, stretch, positive & negative pressure - regulation of hormone
secretions.
 Inverted Asanas e.g Shirshasan -positive effect on hypothalamus , pituitary & pineal
glands.
 Sarvangasan , Matsyasan ,Halasan – thyroid /parathyroid .
 Ardhamatsyendrasan – alternate twist- stimulates the pancreas , adrenals –
effective regulation of sugar levels
 Core strengthening Asanas like Mayurasan , dronasan, dhanurasan – effects pancreas ,
adrenals, gonads
 Shavasana & Yog Nidra – reduction of stress -> regulation of all hormones

38. PRANAYAMA
 Regularises blood flow & balances pranic flow through all nadis
 Pranic flow directly related to all body functions
 Improves flow of nerve impulses – hence direct relation to nervous system
 Blood supply , oxygen supply , flow of unobstructed prana also increases to the brain –
hypothalamus- in particular- thereby improving functioning capacity.
 Hypothalamus being the seat of emotions – stress & emotions better controlled –
Mental balance
 Balance in Neuro- Endocrine- Axis
 Regulation of hormones
 Homeostasis

39. MUDRAS and BANDHAS
 Activates & directly stimulates endocrine glands ( gross body )
 Cultural Mudras physically ,directly impacts several endocrine glands – stretch,
contraction, pressure differentials , twist ---> regulation of hormones
 Hasta mudras , Head mudras deeply impact at the subtle levels by way of effect
on the brain ( circuit with the brain ).specially influencing the hypothalamus
 Hasta mudras helps to balance the ‘panch mahabhutas’ of which the body is
comprised of leading to good health
 Appropriate & timely hormone secretions facilitated
 Direct impact on the functioning of of all body systems
 Maintains Homeostasis
 Integration & harmony between all the systems at gross level

40. MUDRAS and BANDHAS
Effect at the subtle /sukshma level
 Most Endocrine glands are located at the chakra areas
 Redirection & balancing of pranic flows has direct impact on the endoceine
glands ( gross body ) & chakras ( subtle body )
 Mudra & Bandha practices induce deep awareness , expansion of awareness
on the relevant chakras & helps to reach higher states of consciousness
 Integration & harmony between all Koshas at subtle level
 Leads to good health & general well being at all levels

41. MUDRAS and BANDHAS
Examples ….
 Brahma / Dutta Mudra / Simha Mudra - thyroid & parathyroid
 Viparit Karni Mudra – because of peculiar posture has positive effect on all
the glands & more importantly has great impact on the health of female
reproductive system
 Tadagi Mudra, Yog Mudra , Uddiyan Bandha – pancreas ,adrenals
 Moolbandha- Gonads / Sexual glands
 Jalandhar Bandha- thyroid , parathyroid

42. Antarang Sadhana / Bhakti Yog practices /Bhav Sadhana
 Harmony at the brain level- neuro-endocrine axis stabilized
 Maintains homeostasis
 Increased CSF flow to brain & Spinal chord – influences Pineal , Pituitary ,hypothalamus
 Leads to release of Serotonin hormone by Pineal gland  feeling of happiness
 Expansion of awareness & facilitating attaining of higher levels of consciousness
 Hypothalamus  functionally stable
 integration of opposing tendencies mental stability & balance
 extreme emotions removed
 emotional catharsis & emotional culturing
 leads to emotional stability – stress reduction- reguralisation of hormone secretions

43. CONCLUSION :
All yogic practices – done with closed eyes -
- Direct effect on pineal gland - positive influence the endocrine system
- Balance , harmony and integration at all levels.
- Homeostasis maintained within the body
- All Systems functioning at optimum
 overall well developed personality , general well- being , good health &
spiritual upliftment .

44. Credits :
 GMM Anatomy & Physiology Notes
 Inputs from Presenations of Senior GMM teachers
 Net .
THANK YOU