An Overview of Endocrine System - Desklib

This paper provides an overview of the endocrine system and its major components like pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries, and testes. It discusses the normal functioning of these glands and the possible treatments available for the abnormal functioning of the endocrine glands. The paper also highlights the risk factors associated with endocrine disorders. Subject: Biology, Course Code: BIO101, College/University: Not mentioned.

Running head: AN OVERVIEW OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
AN OVERVIEW OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
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1AN OVERVIEW OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Table of Contents
Introduction:...............................................................................................................................1
Pituitary Gland:......................................................................................................................2
Thyroid Gland:.......................................................................................................................3
Pineal gland:...........................................................................................................................3
Adrenal gland:........................................................................................................................3
Pancreas:................................................................................................................................4
Ovaries:..................................................................................................................................5
Testes:....................................................................................................................................5
Conclusion:............................................................................................................................5
References:.................................................................................................................................6

2AN OVERVIEW OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Introduction:
The human endocrine system comprises of a network of ductless glands that
synthesizes several hormones and help in various physiological processes such as growth and
development, sugar metabolism, reproductive functions and thermoregulation to name a few
of them. The pituitary gland, the adrenal glands, the thyroid and the parathyroid glands, the
pancreas, the pineal gland and the gonads that include the ovaries in the female and the testes
in male form the major components of the endocrine systemi. Hormonal imbalance in the
body due to various physiological stress such as infection, improper electrolyte balance in the
body leads to several endocrine disordersii. This paper will discuss the endocrine glands in the
human body and focus on the risk factors and treatment options available associated with the
risk factors.
Fig: Endocrine Glands of human body
(Source: La Perle & Dintzis,2017)

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Pituitary Gland: pituitary gland is known as the master gland and it is located at the
base of the brain at the back of the sinuses. It has a diameter of 1/3 inches and it is connected
to the hypothalamus by the infundibulumiii. It comprises of the anterior and the posterior
pituitary and it secretes a number of hormones that control the overall functioning of the
endocrine systemiv.
Fig: Anatomy of Pituitary Gland
(Source: La Perle & Dintzis,2017)
Hormones released by anterior pituitary includes:
ACTH or Adrenocorticotropic hormone: It acts on the adrenal glands to produce hormones.

4AN OVERVIEW OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
FSH or Follicle stimulating hormone: FSH along with LH helps in maintaining the function
of the gonads.
TSH or Thyroid stimulating hormone: TSH directs the thyroid gland to produce hormones.
LH or luteinizing hormone: regulates the normal functioning of the gonads along with FSH.
Prolactin: Initiates breast milk production
Growth Hormone: Directs the growth of muscle and bones in the human body.
Hormones released by posterior pituitary includes:
ADH or anti-diuretic hormone: This hormone is responsible for dictating the kidneys to
enhance the absorption of water from the food.
Oxytocin: This hormone is responsible for the contraction of uterus at the time of delivery
and it also ensures adequate production of breast milk.
Pituitary tumours can impede with the proper functioning of the pituitary gland. The tumours
can be of two types, secretory and non-secretory. Normal functioning of pituitary can be
hampered by formation of clots, bleeding or due to a sudden stress and it can lead to an
impaired production of hormones, this condition is known as pituitary apoplexy. Treatment
options involve hormone replacement or radio surgery.
Thyroid Gland: The thyroid gland is located below the larynx right in front of the
trachea and is a butterfly shaped gland. It is bi-lobed and produces two important hormones
namely, the Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). It also produces calcitonin which
maintains the optimum calcium levels in the blood, however the parathyroid gland is
concerned more with the same. A number of disorders such as Exophthalmic goiter is
characterized by swelling in the neck region due to over production of the thyroid hormone.
On the other hand, Endemic goiter is caused due to iodine deficiency, which is important to

5AN OVERVIEW OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
maintain normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Also, tumour growth in the thyroid gland is
common but it may or may not be cancerous. The characteristic of the tumour is diagnosed
with the help of a test popularly known as FNA or fine needle aspiration biopsy. Proper
intake of iodine rich diet characterized with iodised salt and sea-food could help in
maintaining the hormone levels.
Fig: Anatomy of Thyroid Gland
(Source: La Perle & Dintzis,2017)
Pineal gland: It is about 1/3 inches long, reddish-brown coloured gland located near
the central region of the brain. It produces ‘melatonin’ which is concerned with maintaining
the circadian rhythm of the body and it also regulates the maintenance of the reproductive
hormonesv.

6AN OVERVIEW OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Fig: Anatomy of Pineal Gland
(Source: La Perle & Dintzis,2017)
Adrenal gland: The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and are about 3
inches in length and 1.5 inches in height. These glands consist of an outer cortex and an inner
medulla. The adrenal cortex is involved with the production of two hormones namely,
cortisol and corticosterone. Cortisol is mainly concerned with production of energy and
cardiovascular functions. Corticosterone, keeps a check on inflammations and generates
immunological responses. The adrenal medulla primarily releases two hormones, epinephrine
and norepinephrine. Epinephrine is also known as the emergency hormone and it responds to
an emergency by accelerating the heart beat whereas norepinephrine performs
vasoconstriction and works in combination with epinephrine while responding to a stress.

7AN OVERVIEW OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Fig: Anatomy of Adrenal Gland
(Source: La Perle & Dintzis,2017)
Some of the disorders associated with the abnormal production of the adrenaline are:
Cushing’s syndrome: Overproduction of adrenaline leads to this disorder which
results in increased blood pressure and abdominal obesity pertaining to prolonged intake of
corticosteroid drugs. . A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D would help in treating
the condition.
Adison’s disease: Under secretion of cortisol leads to this condition, and leads to lethargy and
dehydration. Hormone replacements and glucocorticoid medications is prescribed for the
treatment.
Pancreas: The pancreas is located in the abdomen with both exocrine and endocrine
functions. The endocrine segment of pancreas is responsible for releasing two important
hormones insulin and glucagon which play a crucial role in monitoring the glucose level in

8AN OVERVIEW OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
the blood. Type I and Type II diabetes are common problems associated with insufficient
production of the insulin in the body to monitor the glucose levelsvi. Treatment options
include proportionate administration of insulin. Increase in blood sugar level causes
hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia is caused due to lower blood sugar levels characterised
by profuse sweating and feeling of breathlessness.
Fig: Anatomy of Pancreas
(Source: La Perle & Dintzis,2017)
Ovaries: The ovaries are round shaped bodies located on either side of the uterus.
Progesterone and estradiol are two important hormones secreted by the ovaries. Progesterone,
also known as the pregnancy hormone and estradiol is mainly concerned with development of
secondary sexual characteristics such as enlargement of breasts and hip. Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome, ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts and osteoporosis are common problems related to
malfunctioning of the ovaries. Mood swings, persistent abdominal pain and being overweight
are the common characteristics of the above said disorders. Progestin is prescribed to patients

9AN OVERVIEW OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
with PCOD and it helps in reducing the risks of uterine cancer and maintaining normal
menstrual cyclesvii.
Fig: Anatomy of female reproductive organ
(Source: La Perle & Dintzis,2017)
Testes: These are two oval shaped structures situated inside the scrotum of the male
and are responsible for producing the male sex hormone testosterone. Hypogonadism is a
condition characterized by reduction in sperm count, lower sexual enthusiasm and diminished
body hair. Based on the severity, hypogonadism can either be primary when there is a defect
in the testis pertaining to ageing, side effects of medications and chemotherapy or secondary
if there is an issue with the pituitary that affects the regulation of the hormoneviii. Testosterone
replacement therapy is the primary therapy available for the treatment of hypogonadism.

10AN OVERVIEW OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Fig: Anatomy of male reproductive organ
(Source: La Perle & Dintzis,2017)
Conclusion:
The endocrine system plays an important role in regulating the vital physiological
processes that are essential for the normal functioning of the human body. In the paper the
major endocrine glands and their normal functions have been discussed and also a critical
analysis has been carried out on the abnormal functioning of the endocrine glands and the
possible treatments available. The underlying function of the human endocrine system is to
maintain proper metabolism, growth and hormonal equilibrium in the body. However it is

11AN OVERVIEW OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
interesting to note that ‘the third eye’ or the pineal gland is still a mysterious topic that holds
a promising scope for further research as not much is known about the same.
References:
Atkinson, M. A., Eisenbarth, G. S., & Michels, A. W. (2014). Type 1 diabetes. The Lancet,
383(9911), 69-82.
Axelrod, J. (Ed.). (2013). The pineal gland and its endocrine role (Vol. 65). Springer Science
& Business Media.
Davis, S. W., Ellsworth, B. S., Millan, M. I. P., Gergics, P., Schade, V., Foyouzi, N., ... &
Camper, S. A. (2013). Pituitary gland development and disease: from stem cell to

12AN OVERVIEW OF ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
hormone production. In Current topics in developmental biology (Vol. 106, pp. 1-47).
Academic Press.
La Perle, K. M. D., & Dintzis, S. M. (2017). Endocrine system. In Comparative Anatomy and
Histology (Second Edition) (pp. 251-273).
Legro, R. S., Arslanian, S. A., Ehrmann, D. A., Hoeger, K. M., Murad, M. H., Pasquali, R., &
Welt, C. K. (2013). Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: an
Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology
& Metabolism, 98(12), 4565-4592.
Lunenfeld, B., Mskhalaya, G., Zitzmann, M., Arver, S., Kalinchenko, S., Tishova, Y., &
Morgentaler, A. (2015). Recommendations on the diagnosis, treatment and
monitoring of hypogonadism in men. The Aging Male, 18(1), 5-15.
Paz, J. C., & Vizmeg, J. (2013). Endocrine system. Acute Care Handbook for Physical
Therapists, 243.
Sherwood, L. (2015). Human physiology: from cells to systems. Cengage learning.

i La Perle, K. M. D., & Dintzis, S. M. (2017). Endocrine system. In Comparative Anatomy and Histology (Second
Edition) (pp. 251-273).
ii Sherwood, L. (2015). Human physiology: from cells to systems. Cengage learning.
iii Davis, S. W., Ellsworth, B. S., Millan, M. I. P., Gergics, P., Schade, V., Foyouzi, N., ... & Camper, S. A. (2013).
Pituitary gland development and disease: from stem cell to hormone production. In Current topics in developmental
biology (Vol. 106, pp. 1-47). Academic Press.
iv Paz, J. C., & Vizmeg, J. (2013). Endocrine system. Acute Care Handbook for Physical Therapists, 243.
v Axelrod, J. (Ed.). (2013). The pineal gland and its endocrine role (Vol. 65). Springer Science & Business Media.
vi Atkinson, M. A., Eisenbarth, G. S., & Michels, A. W. (2014). Type 1 diabetes. The Lancet, 383(9911), 69-82.
vii Legro, R. S., Arslanian, S. A., Ehrmann, D. A., Hoeger, K. M., Murad, M. H., Pasquali, R., & Welt, C. K. (2013).
Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. The Journal of
Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 98(12), 4565-4592.
viii Lunenfeld, B., Mskhalaya, G., Zitzmann, M., Arver, S., Kalinchenko, S., Tishova, Y., & Morgentaler, A. (2015).
Recommendations on the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of hypogonadism in men. The Aging Male, 18(1), 5-15.