ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
The human body is very complex as it can perform different types of functions and can sustain itself in an adverse environment too.
All these different types of work are possible because of the control center of our body. our nervous system and endocrine system control the major portion of our body.
The endocrine system is a collection of different types of glands that secrete different chemicals according to our body’s needs and these chemicals after getting secreted in the blood are transported to various parts of the body to produce the desired effect.
The chemicals secreted by the endocrine gland are called HORMONES. This is why the endocrine system can also be termed as HORMONAL SYSTEM. The endocrine glands are ductless glands and that is why the hormones produced by them are secreted directly into the blood to reach the target tissue.
COMPOSITION OF HORMONES OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM :
1) AMINO ACID DERIVATIVE: These are the hormones that are derived from the amino acid. Examples are Thyroxine hormones, dopamine, epinephrine, and Norepinephrine.
2) PEPTIDE HORMONES: when amino acids are joined together in the form of a chain to form peptides are known as peptide hormones. Examples are Growth hormones, prolactin, glucagon, and others.
3) STEROID HORMONES: The hormones that are derived from cholesterol are known as steroid hormones. Examples are glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, androgens, estrogens, and progesterone.
4) EICOSANOID: The hormones which are derived from lipids are known as EICOSANOID. Example: prostaglandins.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM OF THE BODY:
1) HYPOTHALAMUS: It is located in the brain between the thalamus and the pituitary gland.
2) PITUITARY GLAND: It is located at the base of the skull in depression-like area of the sphenoid bone. It is divided into three parts which are anterior lobe, intermediate lobe, and posterior lobe.
3) THYROID GLAND: It is located in the neck and is in a butterfly shape. It is also the largest endocrine gland.
4) PARATHYROID GLAND: These are total of four in number and located in the neck behind the thyroid gland.
5) ISLET OF LANGERHANS: This gland is located in the pancreas.
6) ADRENAL GLANDS: These glands are located on top of both kidneys.
7) TESTIS: These are located in the sac like structure called scrotum which hangs in the pelvic region and is normally two in number.
8) OVARIES: These are two in number and are attached to the uterus on either side through a ligament.
9) PINEAL GLANDS: These glands are very small in size and located in the brain of the human.
10) THYMUS: It is located behind the sternal bone of the chest and is active until puberty and after that, it does not function and slowly changes into fat.
11) Some other organs that are identified as the producer of hormones other than their main function are kidneys, liver, and lungs.
HORMONES OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM :
1) HYPOTHALAMUS: It secretes ADH (Antidiuretic hormones), GHRH ( Growth hormones regulating hormones ), GnRH ( Gonadotrophin releasing hormones ), dopamine.
2) PITUITARY GLAND: Thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH), Follicle stimulating hormones ( FSH ), Prolactin
3) THYROID GLANDS: T3 (Triiodothyronine), T4 (Thyroxine), calcitonin.
4) PARATHYROID GLAND: PTH (Parathyroid hormones).
5) ISLET OF LANGERHANS: Insulin, glucagons.
6) ADRENAL GLANDS: Aldosterone, Cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine.
7) OVARIES: Progesterone
8) TESTIS: Testosterone
FUNCTIONS OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM :
Endocrine glands play a major role in our lives and it is important for us that these glands function normally. Some of the important functions of these glands are :
1) Maintain body temperature.
2) Control of the heart rate
3) Regulates the respiratory system of our body.
4) Maintain body weight other than eating and sedentary life.
5) Maintain the sleep pattern.
6) Regulates our blood pressure
7) Regulates body growth
8) Regulates the sexual growth of the body.
9) Regulates body calcium deposits.
10) Control blood sugar levels to prevent diabetes.
11) Controls mental well-being to some level.
12) Controls the emotional status of the person.
COMMON ENDOCRINE DISORDERS:
Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, acromegaly, Cushing’s syndrome, and many more are there which can occur from simple causes to tumors of the glands.
INVESTIGATIONS :
The endocrine disorder can present in a variety of clinical features and the doctor should evaluate the patient by taking a proper history if the patient is taking any medicines which can interfere with the person’s endocrine function.
After a proper history taking, the doctor should do a physical examination to look for any signs that can point towards an endocrine disorder.
Blood and radiological imaging studies can be ordered as per the symptom and the endocrine gland that is supposed to be affected because of which person is having the symptoms.
TREATMENT:
After the final diagnosis is made then the person can be treated which can vary from medical treatment to surgical treatment depending on the endocrine disease.
Some endocrine diseases can be controlled by medicines like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism. On the other hand, some endocrine diseases like pituitary tumors and other similar conditions require surgical intervention then followed by medical treatment.
Some endocrine diseases cannot be cured like Cushing’s syndrome and require medical management to keep it from aggravating into a serious condition.
FOR MORE MEDICAL AND HEALTH-RELATED INFORMATION SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW MY BLOG.
STAY SAFE STAY HEALTHY.
Nice