Endocrine Glands Overview

Overview of Endocrine Glands

• Endocrine glands are organs that produce and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
• These glands regulate various bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, and reproductive processes.

Types of Endocrine Glands

• Pituitary Gland: Located at the base of the brain, it regulates other endocrine glands and produces hormones that stimulate growth and development.
• Thyroid Gland: Located in the neck, it produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
• Adrenal Glands: Located on top of the kidneys, they produce hormones that regulate stress response, electrolyte balance, and blood pressure.
• Pancreas: Produces hormones that regulate blood sugar levels, such as insulin and glucagon.
• Ovaries (in females): Produce hormones that regulate the female reproductive cycle, such as estrogen and progesterone.
• Testes (in males): Produce hormones that regulate the male reproductive cycle, such as testosterone.
• Hypothalamus: Located in the brain, it regulates body temperature, hunger, and thirst.
• Parathyroid Glands: Located in the neck, they regulate calcium levels in the blood.
• Adipose Tissue: Produces hormones that regulate energy balance and glucose metabolism.

Functions of Endocrine Glands

• Regulation of growth and development
• Metabolism regulation
• Reproductive processes
• Stress response
• Electrolyte balance
• Blood pressure regulation
• Blood sugar regulation
• Calcium regulation
• Energy balance and glucose metabolism

Disorders Associated with Endocrine Glands

• Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid gland
• Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid gland
• Diabetes: Insulin deficiency or resistance
• Adrenal insufficiency: Underactive adrenal glands
• Cushing's syndrome: Overactive adrenal glands
• Hypoparathyroidism: Underactive parathyroid glands
• Hyperparathyroidism: Overactive parathyroid glands