Anatomy of endocrine

  1. Describe the function of the endocrine system

    • The endocrine system helps maintain homeostasis in the body.

    • Hormones released from endocrine glands travel through the bloodstream and bind to target cells to elicit changes.

    • Functions include:

      • Influencing the storage and utilization of energy (e.g., insulin and glucagon regulate blood glucose levels).

      • Affecting growth and reproduction processes (hormones drive puberty, development of sex cells, pregnancy, and birth).

      • Controlling body responses to external stimuli, such as stress (e.g., adrenaline release during a fight-or-flight response).

  2. Distinguish between exocrine and endocrine glands

    • Exocrine glands:

      • Secrete their products into ducts that carry them to body cavities, organs, or the body's surface.

      • Examples include sweat, oil, and digestive glands.

    • Endocrine glands:

      • Secrete hormones directly into the interstitial fluid surrounding them, which then diffuse into the bloodstream.

      • They do not have ducts and are highly vascularized.

  3. Identify the major endocrine glands

    • Pituitary gland

    • Pineal gland

    • Thyroid gland

    • Parathyroid glands

    • Adrenal glands

    • Pancreas

    • Ovaries (in females)

    • Testes (in males)

    • Hypothalamus

    • Kidneys (as endocrine tissues)

    • Stomach and small intestine (as endocrine tissues)

    • Liver (as endocrine tissue)