Endocrinology is a branch of biological science which the concern is about the action of hormones and organs to the body, and the hormones are being formed through the organ. These organs are pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, ovaries in female and scrotum in male. The study focused to the anatomy and physiological functions of the major endocrine organs, the products that were secreted by the organs, hormones mechanism of action and the clinical manifestation if there's a dysfunction in the hormones.
Endocrine system
Male and female endocrine system : |
Both endocrine system and nervous system are working together for the regulation and proper mechanism of the organs and the organ systems of the body. The endocrine system secretes chemical signals or ligands, "are molecules released from one location that move to another location to produce a response."
Functions of Endocrine System- it facilitates the water balance by controlling the solute concentration.
- there's a uterine contraction during the delivery of the newborn , and also stimulates the production of milk from the breast of lactating females.
- the growth of many tissues, such as bone and muscle, the maturation of tissue for the development of adult features and behavior and the rate of metabolism of many tissues which helps to facilitate the maintenance of the normal body temperature.
- the regulation of ions, sodium, potassium and calcium concentration in the blood.
- facilitates the heart rate and blood pressure. Also helps the preparation of the body to physical activity.
- regulation of glucose level in the blood and other nutrient levels in the body
- helps in controlling the production and functions of immune cell.
- helps in controlling the male and female reproductive system for the development and function of it.
Grave's disease |
If the system fail to function properly, there will be disorganization in the system, failure in secreting hormones that can result to certain diseases like Graves' disease, it is characterized by an increase secretion of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland. Diabetes is another disease, failure to secrete enough insulin may lead to increase glucose to the bloodstream, there will be no conversion of sugar to energy and if there's prolonged sugar imbalance in the body, the person may develop major health problem. But treatments for many endocrine disease are available.
Reference:
Photo Credit:
Reference:
- http://www.buzzle.com/articles/list-of-human-hormones-and-their-importance.html
- Anatomy and Physiology 5th edition by Seeley et al.
Photo Credit:
- http://www.umm.edu/imagepages/17067.htm:
- scienceblogs.com: