20.14a Medications Used to Affect the Endocrine System

endocrine system

The endocrine system and nervous system together are chiefly responsible for the regulatory activities that maintain homeostasis.

“wired” system

The nervous system with its direct connections between nerves and organs can be thought of as a “wired” system whereas the endocrine system, which releases hormones directly into the bloodstream, can be thought of as “wireless.” The endocrine system comprises the following glands: pituitary (anterior and posterior lobes), pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries, and testes.

master gland

(Table 20-26 lists the specific hormones that each gland releases.) Of these, the pituitary is commonly referred to as the (?) because of its role in controlling the other endocrine glands.

hypothalamus

(The hypothalamus, in turn, controls many of the pituitary’s functions.) Once in the bloodstream, the hormones from these glands circulate widely throughout the body.

very specific receptors

To be effective, however, they must bind with (?).

pharmacologic actions

This discussion focuses on the (?) of medications that affect the various endocrine glands.