 The adrenal glands (also known

as suprarenal glands) are

endocrine glands that produce a variety
of hormones including adrenaline and
the steroids aldosterone and cortisol.
They are found above the kidneys.
Each gland has an outer cortex which
produces steroid hormones and an inner
medulla.
 The pancreas is an organ located in the
abdomen
 The pancreas has two main functions: an
exocrine function that helps in digestion
and an endocrine function that regulates
blood sugar
 The hormones from the pancreas are secreted
mainly by the islets of langerhans and it
consists of 4 different types of cells: alpha
cells, beta cells, delta cells and F cells
 The hormones secreted are
1. Insulin (beta cells)
Target tissue – General
Function – promotes movement of glucose
out of blood and into cells
2. Glucagon (alpha cells)
Target tissue – General
Function – promotes movement of glucose from
glycogen and into blood
3. Somatostatin (delta cells)
Target tissue – Pancreas
Function – inhibits insulin and glucagon
secretion
4. Pancreatic polypeptide (F cells)
Target tissue – General
Function – influences regulation of pancreatic
exocrine function and metabolism of absorbed
nutrients
Women : Ovaries
1. Estrogen
Target tissue : reproductive system,
breasts
Function : stimulants development of
secondary sexual characteristics,
preparation of uterus for fertilization and
fetal development, stimulates bone growth
2. Progesterone
Target tissue : reproductive system
Function : maintains lining of uterus
necessary for successful pregnancy

Men : Testes
3. Testosterone
Target tissue : reproductive system
Function : stimulates development of
secondary sex characteristics,
spermatogenesis
 It is a small endocrine gland in the brain.
The pineal gland produces melatonin, a
serotonin-derived hormone which
modulates sleep patterns in both circadian
and seasonal cycles
 The thymus gland is in the chest, between the
lungs and behind the breastbone (sternum)
 It makes white blood cells (T lymphocytes) which
are part of the immune system and help fight
infection
 The regulation of endocrine activity is
controlled by specific mechanisms of varying
levels of complexity
 These mechanisms stimulate or inhibit
hormone synthesis and secretion and include :
ØSimple feedback – negative and positive
ØComplex feedback
ØNervous system control
ØRhythms
 Tests for pancreatic function
ØFBS (Fasting blood sugar)
ØRBG (Random blood glucose)
ØPPBG (Postprandial blood glucose)
ØGlycosylated hemoglobin
ØGlycosylated albumin
ØC - peptide
ØOGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test)
ØUrine test - ketoneuria, proteinuria
Tests of Thyroid Function
ØSerum thyroxine and
triiodothyronine
ØRadioiodine uptake and excretion
test
ØSerum Thyroid - Releasing hormone
ØSerum Cholesterol
ØAntithyroid antibody tests
ØAchilles Tendon Reflexes
 Tests of Adrenal Function
ØCortisol Suppression Test
ØAldosterone levels
ØSerum Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
ØUrinary catecholamines
ØRadiography - CT scan, X-ray, MRI

• Tests of Pituitary Function

ØRadiography
ØHormone Assays
ØDehydration Tests