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Endocrine Glands: Introduction, Endocrine Glands, Major Endocrine Glands
Introduction to Endocrine System
- Endocrine System can be defined as a chemical messenger system comprising feedback loops of the hormones released by internal glands of an organism.
- This includes regulating distant target organs and the circulatory system.
- This system can be contrasted to both exocrine glands which secrete hormones to the outside of the body which further includes paracrine signaling between cells over a short distance.
- Through nine primary glands hormones are produced in the body along with other organs that provide auxiliary functions make up the endocrine system.
Endocrine Glands
- The endocrine glands belong to the body՚s control system and they secrete their respective substances directly into the bloodstream rather than through a duct.
- The hormones help in regulating the functions of cells and tissues. Some of the glands are specific to either male (testis) or female (ovaries) .
Pituitary Gland
- It is a small pea-sized gland that plays a vital role in regulating vital body functions and general wellbeing.
- It is also known as the master gland as it controls the activity of most other hormone secreting glands.
- This gland hangs on a stalk at the base of the brain.
- The anterior portion produces hormones and a posterior portion that has many neural links.
- This gland also secretes prolactin, which stimulates the production of milk.
Thyroid Gland
- It is an endocrine gland in the neck that consists of two connected lobes.
- Thyroid isthmus is a thin band of tissue connecting the lower two thirds of the lobes.
- The thyroid is located at the front of the neck below Adam՚s apple.
- The most important hormones produced are T3 and T4 among other thyroid hormones which influences the body՚s rate of metabolism.
Parathyroid Glands
- These are the four small glands of the endocrine system which regulate the calcium in our bodies.
- These glands are located inside in the neck behind the thyroid where they continuously monitor and regulate blood calcium levels.
Adrenal Glands
- These are small glands located on top of each kidney.
- They produce some very prominent hormones such as sex hormones and cortisol.
- Cortisol helps in reducing stress.
- In case there is disorder glands make too much or not enough hormones.
- Some of the ways in which this stress hormone helps the organism to either face a dangerous situation or to avoid it altogether are increasing blood sugar levels, Dilating the pupils, etc.
Gonads
- These glands are specific to males and females where ovaries are specific to females and are in the pelvic cavity.
- Testis are specific to males.
- Estrogen is produced by ovaries or reproduction and female sex characteristics.
- Testosterone is produced by testes which is responsible for male sex characteristics.
Pancreas
- The pancreas is exocrine as well as an endocrine gland.
- It is 6 inches long and rather flat.
- Two primary roles are producing digestive enzymes and producing hormones such as insulin and glucagon.
Pineal Gland
- It is a small, pea-shaped gland in the brain.
- It produces and regulates some hormones, including melatonin.
- Melatonin plays a vital role in regulating sleep patterns.
- Sleep patterns are also called circadian rhythms.