Endocrine System, Endocrine Glands

Endocrine system, endocrine glands

The coordination of the activities of various parts of the body in higher animals is achieved through the action of two coordinating systems - the nervous and endocrine. The glands of the endocrine system secrete substances called hormones, which diffuse or are carried by the bloodstream to other parts of the body and coordinate their activities.

The endocrine system includes the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid glands, islet apparatus of the pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes.

A special place in the endocrine system is occupied by the hypothalamus, which secretes releasing hormones that affect the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland produces a number of hormones, including tropic ones, which regulate the function of other endocrine glands.

The thyroid gland produces thyroxine, triiodothyronine and calcitonin. The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium metabolism.

The pancreas produces insulin, which regulates carbohydrate metabolism. The adrenal glands produce cortisol, cortisone and other hormones of the cortex, as well as adrenaline and norepinephrine of the medulla. The gonads produce sex hormones.

Dysfunction of the endocrine glands leads to the development of various diseases. Timely diagnosis and treatment of endocrine diseases are of great importance for maintaining health and normal functioning of the body.