Endocrine System

Medical Terminology
Endocrine System
Function of endocrines
The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and
release hormones that help control many important body
functions.
It influence the heart beat, help in bones and tissues grow, ability
to make babies, control diabetes ,thyroid, growth disorders.
Each gland of the system release specific hormones into blood
steam.
Hormones secreted by glands
• Endocrine gland includes :
• 1. Adrenal gland : Two glands sit on the top of the kidneys and
release hormone known as cortisol.
• 2. Hypothalamus : A part of middle brain that tells pituitary
gland when to release hormone.
• 3.Ovaries : Female reproductive Organ which release egg and
produce ovum/ sex hormone.
Hormones
• Islet of Pancreas : secrets insulin and glucagon
• Parathyroid :Four tiny glands in the neck that play role in bone
growth.
• Pineal Gland : Near the centre of brain controls Sleep.
• Pituitary Gland : Situated at the base of the brain also called
master gland because it influence many other glands it
controls thyroid gland function, menstrual cycle and secrets
breast milk.
Hormones
• Testes : Male reproductive hormone.
• Thymus : A gland in upper chest develop immune system of
body
• Thyroid :A butter fly gland in neck controls metabolism.
Diseases
• Endocrine diseases that results when a gland produces too
much or too little of an endocrine hormone called hormone
imbalance.
• Types of endocrine disease
• Broadly speaking, endocrine disorders may be subdivided into
three groups:
• •Endocrine gland hyposecretion (leading to hormone
deficiency)
• •Endocrine gland hypersecretion (leading to hormone excess)
• •Tumours (benign or malignant) of endocrine glands
Diagnostic tests
• Diagnostic tests for checking hormone levels are
recommended for determining hidden causes of diseases that
defy explanation such as adrenal dysfunction that manifests
only as below optimal general health in adults. Similarly, lack
of primary hormones like estrogen, progesterone and
testosterone secreted by ovaries and testis leads to vague
symptoms of mood swings, loss of sex drive and menstrual
irregularities. There are specific tests like saliva hormone
profiles and blood DHEA for checking the level of nearly all
hormones in the body.