Endocrine System Overview

The endocrine system is made up of hormone-secreting glands that regulate essential functions such as response to stress, growth, reproduction, and energy metabolism. These glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

The pituitary gland, often called the "master gland", is located at the base of the brain. It controls the activity of other endocrine glands by releasing hormones that stimulate or inhibit their function.

The anterior pituitary secretes hormones like Growth Hormone (GH), Prolactin, Gonadotropic hormones (LH & FSH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which regulate numerous bodily functions.

The posterior pituitary secretes hormones like Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and Oxytocin, which regulate water balance and uterine contractions.

The thyroid gland is located in the neck, near the trachea. It produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.

The parathyroid glands are small, located near the thyroid gland. They secrete Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium levels in the blood.

The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. They produce hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline, which regulate stress responses, blood pressure, and energy levels.

The pancreas is an organ near the stomach. Its endocrine part called the 'Islets of Langerhans' secretes hormones like insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar.

The ovaries in women and testes in men are the primary reproductive organs. They produce sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which regulate sexual development and reproductive function.

Hyperpituitarism is a condition where the pituitary gland produces excessive amounts of one or more hormones, often caused by a tumor.

Gigantism is the excessive growth of long bones in children before their growth plates close, caused by hypersecretion of Growth Hormone.

Acromegaly is the excessive growth of bones and soft tissues in adults after their growth plates have closed, caused by hypersecretion of Growth Hormone.

Cushing's disease is a condition caused by excessive production of Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary gland, leading to an overproduction of cortisol from the adrenal glands.

Hypopituitarism is a condition where the pituitary gland produces insufficient amounts of one or more hormones.

Dwarfism is the condition of abnormally short stature caused by a deficiency in Growth Hormone.

Diabetes insipidus is a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland characterized by a deficiency of Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to excessive urination and thirst.

SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone) is a condition where the body produces too much antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to water retention and low sodium levels.

A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by a lack of iodine or other factors.

Hyperthyroidism, also called thyrotoxicosis, is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (T3 and T4), leading to an overactive metabolism.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism, also called Myxedema, is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone (T3 and T4), leading to a slow metabolism.

Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition caused by a sudden and excessive release of thyroid hormone into the bloodstream, leading to severe hyperthyroidism symptoms.

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands produce too much Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), leading to high calcium levels in the blood.

Hypoparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands don't produce enough Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), leading to low calcium levels in the blood.

Addison's disease is a condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, leading to a variety of symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and darkening of the skin.

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels caused by problems with insulin production or action.

Insulin-dependent diabetes (Type 1) is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, requiring insulin injections.

Non-insulin dependent diabetes (Type 2) is a condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use it effectively, often manageable with lifestyle changes and oral medications.

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy, usually resolving after delivery.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes characterized by high blood sugar, dehydration, and acidosis.

Hypoglycemia is a condition where blood sugar levels are too low, often caused by too much insulin.

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) is a serious complication of diabetes characterized by extremely high blood sugar levels, dehydration, and altered mental status.