Endocrinology (Endocrine System, Glands and Hormones)
What?! Endocrinology?! (?_?)\

What comes first in your mind when you hear the word “Endocrinology”? Definitely, you’ll say that Endocrinology is simply the study of the Endocrine system. But that’s right, it deals with the Endocrine system and also the secretions of its glands called hormones.

Maybe you’re wondering what chemistry had to do with you. Well, it do a lot! Your body secretes its own chemicals and uses them to control definite functions, and the main system that coordinates these chemicals is called the Endocrine system.

The fundamentals of the Endocrine system are the glands and hormones. The endocrine system is helpful in tissue function, regulating growth and development, metabolism and mood, as well as reproductive process and sexual function.

In general, the endocrine system is the one responsible for the different body processes that happen slowly inside our body, such as cell growth. While, faster processes like body movement and breathing are controlled by the nervous system. However, even if the nervous system and endocrine system are separate systems, they frequently act together to help the body function properly.

For the mean time, we’ll just talk about the basic terminologies of the Endocrine system, in order for us to understand the topic very well. And we won’t have a hard time in absorbing all the information about the topic. We’ll take it slowly but surely.. ;)

The endocrine system is composed of group of glands which secrete hormones. They are messengers formed by the body that transfer information from one cell or group of cells to another to coordinate the functions of different parts of the body. Hormones also control the way you respond to your environment, and they assist to give the appropriate quantity of energy and nutrition.

Now, let’s talk about the general parts of the Endrocrine system for us to know the different organs and glands that function together to maintain the body in good state.

The major glands that build up the human Endocrine system are the pituitary, hypothalamus, parathyroid, thyroid, pineal body, adrenal, and the reproductive glands, which comprise the testes and ovaries. Even the pancreas is also part of this system, even if it is also associated with the digestive system. Still the endocrine glands are the main hormone producers in the body, but some non-endocrine organs for example the heart, brain, liver, placenta, lungs, thymus, kidney and skin also release and produce hormones.

I prepare a summary of all the glands of the Endocrine system with the hormone/s it secreted and its primary action in order for us to appreciate it very well.. ;)

Endocrine Gland
Hormone/s Secreted
Primary Action
Hypothalamus
a.) The hypothalamus secretes two hormones: one that stimulates release and one that inhibits release.
b.) Oxytocin and Antidiuretic Hormone (Vasopressin)
a.) Control the function of the anterior pituitary gland



b.) Discharged from pituitary gland
Anterior portion of Pituitary Gland
a.) Corticotropin


 b.) Thyrotropin

c.) Follicle Stimulating Hormone



d.) Luteinizing Hormone




e.) Prolactin

f.) Growth Hormone
a.) Stimulates release of adrenal hormones involved in stress reactions
b.) Stimulates the discharge of thyroid hormones
c.) Kindles estrogen discharge and follicle development in females; promote spermatogenesis in males
d.) Stimulates corpus luteum formation and ovulation in females; promotes testosterone secretions in males
e.) Stimulates and sustain milk production
f.) Promotes  growth  in juveniles and is responsible in glucose and protein metabolism in adults
Posterior Pituitary Gland
a.) Oxytocin (manufactured in Hypothalamus)
b.) Antidiuretic Hormone (Vasopressin)
a.) Causes uterine contractions leading to birth
b.) Controls water balance in the body
Thyroid
a.) Triiodothyronine  and Tetraidothyronine or Thyroxine
b.) Calcitonin
a.) Regulates carbohydrates and lipid metabolism
b.) Lowers calcium levels in the body
Parathyroid
a.) Parathyroid Hormone
a.) Elevates calcium levels in the body
Cortex-Adrenal
a.) Glucocorticoids



b.) Mineralcorticoids

c.) Sex Hormones
a.) Assist  in controlling lipid and protein metabolism, Elevates blood sugar level
b.) Promotes sodium reabsorption in the kidney; salt and water balance
c.) Responsible for general growth and sexual maturity
Medulla-Adrenal
a.) Epinephrine



b.) Norepinephrine
a.) Raises force of heart contractions and rate, Elevates blood sugar level
b.) Supports dilation as well as constriction of blood vessels
Testes
a.) Testosterone
a.) Key role in spermatogenesis, development of genitals and secondary sex traits
Ovaries
a.) Progesterone



b.) Estrogen
a.) Prepares and maintains uterine lining, stimulates the breast development
b.) Key role in egg production, development of genitals and secondary sex traits
Pancreas
a.) Insulin
b.) Glucagon
a.) Lowers blood sugar level
b.) Raises blood sugar level
Thymus
a.) Thymosin
a.) Promote development of infection-fighting abilities and lymphocyte function in immune system
Pineal
a.) Melatonin
a.) Influences daily biorhythm, sexual activity and sexual development

Here’s the picture of the Human Endocrine System:
 

Image Credit: http://images.emedicinehealth.com/images/illustrations/endocrine_system.jpg

You can also watch this video to help you to understand the Human Endocrine System:
Video Credit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2MxmrOUl0w&feature=related
Thank you for your short time in reading my blog. I hope you learned a lot from my blog! Thanks!! God Bless!! ^_^\
References: Donald Calbreath; Clinical Chemistry: A Fundamental Textbook
                Michael Bishop; Clinical Chemistry: Techniques, Principles and Correlations 6th edition


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