Endocrinology is a medical discipline that focuses on the structure, function and disorders of the endocrine glands. The endocrine glands produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream and are a part of the larger endocrine system. The endocrine system uses hormones as communication messengers to organs throughout the body by way of blood vessels. They regulate bodily functions like metabolism, tissue growth and function, development and mood.


Endocrine System
  • a recognition site, to which hormone binds
  • an effector site, which precipitates the modification of cellular function.

Endocrine Glands

  • The endocrine glands include the adrenal, hypothalamus, pancreas, ovaries, parathyroid, pineal, pituitary, testes and thyroid. Conditions like diabetes, goiter and hypoglycemia are examples of conditions that arise from an overactive or underactive endocrine gland.
  • Photo credit: http://www.ivy-rose.co.uk/HumanBody/Endocrine/Endocrine_Glands.php


The major glands that make up the human endocrine system include the: 
  • Hypothalamus - It makes hormones that control the pituitary gland. It also makes the hormone ADH and oxytocin, which are stored in the pituitary gland.
  • Pituitary gland - Known as the "Master Gland", this part of the brain consists of three lobes called "anterior" and "posterior". It also respond to signals from the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland releases hormones some of which control other endocrine glands. 
  • Parathyroid gland - They release parathyroid hormone, which plays a role in regulating calcium levels in the blood and bone metabolism.
  • Thymus - Thymosin, which stimulates the development of  T cells for the immune system, is secreted by the thymus.
  • Pancreas - has patches of tissue called the islets of Langerhans. It produces insulin and glucagon that control the blood sugar level.
  • Adrenal Gland -  It produce hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure, the way the body uses food, the levels of minerals such as sodium and potassium in the blood, and other functions particularly involved in stress reactions.
  • Ovaries - The hormones estrogen and progesterone are made in the ovaries. They maintain the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Progesterone maintains the uterus during pregnancy.
  • Testes - makes testosterone, a hormone that maintains the male reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.



Reference:

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5551842_endocrinology-mean.html?ref=Track2&utm_source=ask
http://www.news-medical.net/health/Endocrinology-What-is-Endocrinology.aspx
www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2154
http://growtall.com/endocrine2.htm



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