hormonal and metabolic disorders
Endocrine Glands
Introduction
The endocrine system consists of a group of glands and organs that regulate and control various body functions by producing and secreting hormones. Hormones are chemical substances that affect the activity of another part of the body. In essence, hormones serve as messengers, controlling and coordinating activities throughout the body. Endocrineglands release their hormones directly into thebloodstream Exocrineglands release hormones or other substances into aduct The individual organs that make up the endocrine system have different and often unrelated functions. Doctors who specialize in disorders of the endocrine system are known as endocrinologists. Many endocrinologists further subspecialize in the functions and disorders of specific glands. The major glands of the endocrine system, each of which produces one or more specific hormones, are the Hypothalamus Overview of the Pituitary Gland None Overview of the Thyroid Gland None Overview of Parathyroid Function None Islet cells of the pancreas Overview of the Adrenal Glands None Testes in men, and the ovaries in women The hypothalamus (a small region of the brain that connects to the pituitary gland) secretes several hormones that control the pituitary gland. The Pituitary: The Master Gland is sometimes called the master gland because it secretes hormones that During pregnancy, the placenta also acts as an endocrine gland by producing hormones that support the pregnancy in addition to its Development of the Fetus and Placenta . The major glands of the endocrine system are the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands, the islet cells of the pancreas, the adrenal glands, the testes in men, and the ovaries in women. Not all organs that secrete hormones or hormone-like substances are considered part of the endocrine system. For example, the kidneys produce the hormone renin, which functions as an enzyme to help control blood pressure, and the hormoneerythropoietinto stimulate the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. In addition, the digestive tract produces a variety of hormones that control digestion, affectinsulinsecretion from the pancreas, and alter behaviors, such as those associated with hunger. Fat (adipose) tissue also produces hormones that regulate metabolism (how the body uses foods to control chemical processes in the body) and appetite. Additionally, the term "gland" does not necessarily mean that the organ is part of the endocrine system. For example, sweat glands, salivary glands, glands in mucus membranes, and mammary glands are called exocrine glands, because they secrete substances other than hormones and because they secrete the substances into ducts, not directly into the bloodstream. The Pancreas is both an endocrine and exocrine gland. Specialized areas within the pancreas make Some people use the term "swollen glands" to refer to swollen lymph nodes, especially when the nodes in the neck are swollen. However, Swollen Lymph Nodes are not glands. 