Ch.6 Endocrine and Lymphatic Systems

Endocrine System

Referred to as the body’s chemical messenger, is a complex network of glands that produce and secrete hormones. These hormones regulate a variety of bodily functions i.e. metabolism, growth and development, tissue function and mood.

Lymphatic System

A vast network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. Primarily responsible for transporting lymph.

Lympha

A fluid containing infection fighting white blood cells.

Adreno, adrenalo

Adrenal gland, epinephrine

Adrenocortico

Adrenal cortex

Crino

Secrete

Dispo

Thirst

Endocrino

Endocrine glands or system

Gluco, glyco

Glucose, sugar

Hormono

hormone

Hypophyso, pituitar

pituitary gland, hypophysis

Insulo

Pancreatic Islets

Pancreato

Pancreas

Parathyro, parathyroido

Parathyroid gland

Thyro, thyroido

Thyroid gland

Toxico

Poison

Tropic

Act upon

Gland

A group of cells that secrete chemicals called hormones

Endocrine Glands

Ductless and secrete hormones directly into the blood stream.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that have ducts

Thyroid Gland

Regulates metabolism and serum calcium levels through the secretion of thyroid hormone, calcitonin respectively and determines the sensitivity of the body to other hormones. Butterfly shapes gland- composed of 2 lobes connected by an isthmus over the trachea.

Lobectomy

Excision of all (total) or portion (partial) of one lobe of the thyroid.

Isthmusectomy

Excision of the isthmus (body of the butterfly) of the thyroid

Parathyroid gland

Regulate body’s phosphorus metabolism and calcium level for proper functioning of the nervous and muscular systems. 4 glands found on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland.

Parathyroidectomy

Excision of the parathyroid glands.

Thymus

Produces T-lymphocytes and produces and secrete hormones to control immune function. Prominent during infancy, and usually shrinks after puberty- by adulthood it’s replaced by fat but continues to produce T cells. Comprised of 2 lobes located behind the sternum in front of the heart.

Thymectomy

Excision of the thymus. Can be partial or total. Many surgical approaches including transcervical, transthoracic or sternal split,

Adrenal Glands (Suprarenal)

Sit atop the kidneys one per side. 2 Structural parts- inner portion is the medulla and outer portion is the cortex.

Medulla

Part of the adrenal glands. Secretes adrenaline, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Cortex

Part of the adrenal glands. Divided into glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis. Secretes several steroid e.g. cortisol, glucocorticoids, mineral coticioids, and adrenal estrogen and androgens.

Adrenalectomy

Excision of the adrenal glands (partial or complete, open or laparoscopic).

Pancreas

15cm long and lies near the bottom of the stomach. Divided into head, body, and tail. Dual function gland performing both endocrine and exocrine (digestive) functions.

Islets of Langerhans (Islet Cells)

Cells in the pancreas that produce the hormones: insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood glucose levels (endocrine function).

Ablation

Either electricity or radiofrequency waves are used to destroy the tissue.

Pancreatectomy

Removal of the pancreas. Can be either total or partial

Carotid Body

Serves primarily as an oxygen sensor helping to regulate breathing and blood pressure. Not a true endocrine structure, it’s made of both glandular and non-glandular cells. Located in the neck at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery.

Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis Cerebri)

Roughly the size of a pea and has 2 lobes (anterior and posterior). Regulates wide variety of functions including, growth, metabolism, and milk production and uterine contractions in pregnant women. Located just under the hypothalamus of the brain, which controls it.

Anterior Pituitary Lobe

Produces: growth hormones (GH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL).

Posterior Pituitary Lobe

Secretes oxytocin (OT), hormone responsible for uterine contractions and “let down” reflex of milk in response to a baby’s suckling, and vasopressin, antidiuretic

Pineal Gland (Epiphysis Cerebri, Pineal Body)

Produces melatonin, which modulates wake and sleep patterns and seasonal functions, and serotin. Found deep within the brain, above the cerebellum and between the left and right hemispheres.

Serotonin

Acts as a neurotransmitter and vasoconstrictor. Stimulates smooth muscle contraction and inhibits gastric secretions. Secreted by the pineal gland.

Melatonin

Secreted by the pineal gland, modulates wake and sleep patterns and seasonal functions.

Pinealectomy

Removal of part or all of the pineal gland.

Orchiopexy

A procedure to move the undescended testicle(s) into the scrotum and fix it into that location.

Vasectomy

Surgical removal of a portion of the vas deferens tube that carry sperm from each testicle with the intention of permanent sterility.

Cystectomies

A laparoscopic procedure to remove cysts from one or both ovaries. In this procedure the patient is able to keep the ovary(ies) which allows for continual hormone production.

Oophorectomy

One (unilateral) or both (bilateral) of the ovaries are surgically removed from the patient. This is usually done laparoscopically whenever possible. Typically performed due to cysts or as an additional part of a hysterectomy.