Overview of the Human Endocrine System
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 system. Hormonal imbalance in the body due to various physiological stress such as infection, improper electrolyte balance in the body leads to several endocrine disorders. 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)
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 infundibulum. It comprises of the anterior and the posterior pituitary and it secretes a number of hormones that control the overall functioning of the endocrine system.
Fig: Anatomy of Pituitary Gland
(Source: La Perle & Dintzis,2017)
ACTH or Adrenocorticotropic hormone: It acts on the adrenal glands to produce hormones.
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.
The Pituitary Gland: Anatomy, Hormones and Disorders
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 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 hormones.
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.
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.
The Thyroid Gland: Anatomy, Hormones and Disorders
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 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 levels. 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 with PCOD and it helps in reducing the risks of uterine cancer and maintaining normal menstrual cycles.
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 hormone. Testosterone replacement therapy is the primary therapy available for the treatment of hypogonadism.
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 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 sam.
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La Perle, K. M. D., & Dintzis, S. M. (2017). Endocrine system. In Comparative Anatomy and Histology (Second Edition) (pp. 251-273).
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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.
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