Endocrine Glands and Hormones: Functions, Locations, and Disorders

What do endocrine glands secrete?

Hormones

How do hormones function in the body?

They act as chemical messengers that stimulate responses in distant targets.

What is the primary difference between endocrine and exocrine glands?

Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

How do the effects of the endocrine system compare to the nervous system?

Endocrine effects tend to be slower and long-lasting, affecting a wider variety of distant targets.

What are neuroendocrine cells?

Cells that have characteristics of both endocrine and nervous systems.

What is the function of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

It regulates the anterior pituitary gland by releasing hormones.

What are the two parts of the pituitary gland?

Adenohypophysis (anterior lobe) and Neurohypophysis (posterior lobe).

What is the hypophysial portal system?

A system of two capillary beds connecting the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary.

What hormone does the pineal gland secrete?

Melatonin

What role does melatonin play in the body?

It is thought to play roles in circadian rhythms and mood.

What happens to the thymus gland as a person ages?

It involutes around age 14.

What is the primary function of the thymus gland?

To stimulate the development of T cells (immune cells).

What is the anatomical location of the thyroid gland?

Adjacent to the trachea in the neck.

What do thyroid follicles contain?

Colloid (stored thyroglobulin) surrounded by follicular cells.

What is the function of the parathyroid glands?

To regulate calcium levels in the blood.

What are the two main parts of the adrenal glands?

Adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla.

What hormones are secreted by the adrenal cortex?

More than 25 steroids, including mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids.

What does the adrenal medulla secrete?

Epinephrine and norepinephrine.

What is the function of pancreatic islets?

To regulate blood sugar levels.

What do alpha cells in the pancreas do?

They cause a rise in blood sugar.

What do beta cells in the pancreas do?

They cause a lowering of blood sugar.

What hormones do the ovaries produce?

Hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

What hormones do the testes produce?

Hormones that regulate sex drive and sperm production.

What is endemic goiter?

Swelling of the neck due to enlarged thyroid from hyposecretion of thyroid hormone.

What is the most prevalent type of diabetes mellitus?

Type II diabetes, which results from insulin receptor deficiency.

What is Type I diabetes mellitus?

A condition resulting from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells requiring exogenous insulin.