Endocrine System: Anatomy and Physiology of Major Glands, Study notes of Anatomy

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Content

1.Pituitary gland and hypothalamus

2.Thyroid gland

3.Parathyroid gland

4.Adrenal(Suprarenal) gland

5.Pancreatic islets

6.Pineal gland

7.Thymus gland

glands, ovaries and testes, and growth hormone. The hormones produced by the anterior pituitary include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prolactin, and growth hormone. The posterior pituitary, on the other hand, does not produce hormones but rather stores and releases two hormones produced by the hypothalamus: oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

2.Thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism and growth in the body.

The thyroid gland produces two hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are involved in regulating the body's metabolism. These hormones help to control the rate at which the body burns calories, and they also play a role in protein synthesis, fat metabolism, and the regulation of body temperature.

The primary function of the parathyroid gland is to regulate the level of calcium in the blood. It does this by producing a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps to increase the amount of calcium in the blood by releasing it from the bones and increasing the absorption of calcium in the intestines and kidneys. When the level of calcium in the blood falls below a certain level, the parathyroid gland releases more PTH to increase calcium levels. Conversely, when the level of calcium in the blood is too high, the parathyroid gland reduces the production of PTH to bring calcium levels back to normal.

4.Adrenal(Suprarenal) gland

The adrenal gland is a small, triangular-shaped gland located on top of each kidney. It is composed of two parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla.  Adrenal cortex The adrenal cortex is the outer part of the adrenal gland, located on top of each kidney. It is responsible for producing steroid hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens. Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," is involved in the body's response to stress, helping to regulate blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and the immune

Together, these actions prepare the body for "fight or flight" responses to perceived threats or danger.

5.Pancreatic islets

Pancreatic islets, also known as islets of Langerhans, are small clusters of cells located in the pancreas that are responsible for producing and secreting hormones that regulate blood sugar levels in the body. There are several types of cells within the pancreatic islets, including beta cells, alpha cells, delta cells, and others. Beta cells are responsible for producing insulin, a hormone that helps the body use glucose (sugar) for

energy. Alpha cells produce glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose. Delta cells produce somatostatin, a hormone that inhibits the secretion of insulin and glucagon.

6.Pineal gland

The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland located in the brain, specifically in the epithalamus, which is a small region above the thalamus. It is roughly the size of a pea and produces the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and other circadian rhythms in the body. The pineal gland is also involved in various physiological processes such as the regulation of body temperature, immune function, and reproductive function.

The thymus gland plays a crucial role in the

development and maturation of T lymphocytes or T

cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays

a critical role in immune defense. T cells are

produced in the bone marrow and then migrate to

the thymus gland where they mature and develop

into specialized immune cells capable of recognizing

and attacking foreign substances, such as viruses

and bacteria.

Reference

Ross and Wilson -Anatomy and Physiology in health and illness