Biology - Endocrine System
Introduction
The endocrine system is study of the glands of an organism that secrete
hormones directly into the circulatory system.
The organs through which the life running hormones are secreted are known as
endocrine glands or simply ductless glands.
The hormone secreting glands are located in different parts of a human body
(see the image given below).
The scientific study of the endocrine system and its disorders is known
as endocrinology.
Hormone
The hormone is a complex but very important chemical substance released by
the different glands in the body.
The hormone is mainly made up of amino acid, catecholemines, and steroids.
It is the hormone which is responsible for the overall growth and development;
safety and security; behavior, sexual characteristics, and reproductive activities
of a human body.
Types of Endocrine System
Following are the major types of endocrine system −
o Hypothalamus
o Pineal Gland
o Pituitary Gland
o Thyroid Gland
o Parathyroid Gland
o Adrenal Gland
o Pancreas Gland
o Reproductive Gland (Ovaries & Testes Glands)
Let’s discuss these glands in brief −
Hypothalamus
It is located at the base of the brain.
It releases Growth hormone-releasing hormone, Somatostatin hormone, etc.,
important for the growth.
Pineal Gland
It is located at the base of the brain.
It releases melatonin hormone helpful in lowering the core body temperature.
Pituitary Gland
With the size of a pea, the pituitary gland is found at the base of the human
brain.
The average weight of pituitary gland is about 0.5 grams.
It is also known as hypophysis.
Following are the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland −
o Growth hormone (somatotropin) − It is abbreviated as GH and it
stimulates growth and cell reproduction.
o Thyroid-stimulating hormone (thyrotropin) − It is abbreviated as THS
and it stimulates iodine absorption by thyroid gland.
o Adrenocorticotropic hormone (corticotropin) − It is abbreviated as
ACTH and it stimulates corticosteroid and androgen.
o Beta-endorphin − it inhibits perception of pain.
o Prolactin − it stimulates milk synthesis and release from mammary
glands.
Thyroid Gland
Thyroid gland is located just below the larynx in the throat (pharynx).
The hormone secreted by the thyroid gland is known as thyroxine.
Following are the important hormones secreted by the thyroid gland −
o Triiodothyronine(T3) − It stimulated body oxygen and energy
consumption. It also promotes protein synthesis.
o Thyroxine − It increases the basal metabolic rate.
o Calcitonin − It stimulates osteoblasts and bone construction.
Parathyroid Gland
It is located in the neck of a human body.
It releases parathyroid hormone that helps in regulating the amount of calcium
in the blood as well as within the bones.
Adrenal Gland
Adrenal gland is found above the kidneys.
It releases the following major hormones −
o Glucocorticoids − It stimulates gluconeogenesis and fat-breakdown in
adipose tissue.
o Mineralocorticoids − It stimulates active sodium reabsorption in
kidneys.
o Adrenaline − It increases the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain
and muscles.
o Dopamine − It increases heart rate and blood pressure.
o Enkephalin − It regulates pain.
Pancreas Gland
Pancreas gland is located in the abdominal cavity (behind the stomach).
Pancreas is a mixocrine gland, as it releases both enzymes and hormones.
It releases the following major hormones −
o Insulin − It regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and
fats.
o Glucagon − It raises the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream.
o Somatostatin − It inhibits release of insulin and glucagon.
Reproductive Gland
The reproductive gland is classified as Testes in Male and Ovary in Female.
Testes releases androgens (hormone) that help in strengthening muscle,
increasing bone density, maturation of sex organs.
Ovary releases progesterone hormone that helps during pregnancy period.
Endocrine Diseases
Introduction
The diseases caused by either the deficiency or excessive of hormones is known as
endocrine diseases.
The branch of medicine that studies the endocrine disorders is known as endocrinology.
The List of Endocrine Diseases
The following table illustrates the endocrine diseases −
Glucose Homeostasis Disorders
Diseases Types Result
Type 1 Diabetes Increases sugar levels
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes
Idiopathic hypoglycemia Decreases sugar level (below
normal)
Hypoglycemia
Insulinoma
Cause: Because of the
Glucagonoma overproduction of glucagon tumor of the pancreas
hormone
Thyroid Disorders
Goiter Cause: deficiency of iodine swelling of the neck or larynx
Hyperthyroidism Muscle weakness, sleeping
(excessive production of Graves-Basedow disease problems, diarrhea, weight
thyroid hormone) loss, etc.
Toxic multinodular goitre
Hypothyroidism
Poor ability to tolerate cold, a
(low release of thyroid feeling of tiredness,
hormone) constipation, depression, and
weight gain
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis Inflammation of the thyroid
Thyroiditis
gland
Nodule in the thyroid region
Thyroid cancer
of the neck
Metabolic Bone Disease
Primary Alterations in the blood
hyperparathyroidism calcium levels and bone
metabolism
Secondary
Parathyroid gland hyperparathyroidism
disorders
Tertiary
hyperparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism
Osteoporosis Bone weakness
Paget's disease of bone Weakening of bones
Rickets and Osteomalacia Child disease (because of
vitamin D deficiency)
Pituitary Gland Disorders
Diabetes insipidus Excessive thirst and excretion
of large amounts of severely
dilute urine
Hypopituitarism
Pituitary adenomas
Prolactinoma
Pituitary tumors
Acromegaly
Cushing's disease
Sex Hormone Disorders
Hermaphroditism
Gonadal dysgenesis
Intersex disorders
Androgen insensitivity
syndromes
Kallmann syndrome
Genetic and chromosomal
disorders
Klinefelter syndrome
Turner syndrome
Acquired disorders Ovarian failure
Testicular failure
Disorders of Puberty Delayed puberty
Precocious puberty
Amenorrhea
Menstrual function or
fertility disorders
Polycystic ovary syndrome
