Endocrine System Special Histology

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of the ACTH produced by the pituitary gland?

Regulation of the thyroid hormone

Regulation of the pineal gland

Regulation of the parathyroid hormone

Regulation of the adrenal cortex hormone (correct)

What is the main hormone produced by the adrenal cortex zone called glomerulosa?

Corticosterone

Aldosterone (correct)

Androgens

Cortisol

What is the function of the pineal gland in humans?

Regulation of the circadian rhythm

Regulation of the thyroid gland

Not well understood (correct)

Regulation of the adrenal gland

Which zone of the adrenal cortex produces androgens?

Reticularis Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are found in the adrenal medulla?

Chromaffin cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the pinealocytes in the pineal gland?

Production of melatonin Signup and view all the answers

What surrounds the adrenal gland?

A thin capsule of dense CT Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla?

Production of neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the endocrine system?

Releasing secretion products directly into the blood Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of the endocrine system?

Skeletal muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the hormones in the endocrine system?

Regulate the functions of specific tissues or organs Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the pituitary gland is responsible for the production of hormones such as GH and PRL?

Pars distalis Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the parathyroid gland?

Regulate the levels of calcium in the blood Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is produced by the thyroid gland?

Thyroid hormone Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the adrenal gland?

Regulate the response to stress Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell in the pituitary gland is responsible for producing ACTH?

Basophilic cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic appearance of the Pars Nervosa in the pituitary gland?

Fibrous and disorganized with sinusoids Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the parafollicular cells or C cells in the thyroid gland?

Regulation of calcium concentration in the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the principal cells or chief cells in the parathyroid gland?

Regulation of calcium balance in the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure that surrounds the thyroid gland?

A thin capsule of dense connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the oxyphiles cells or acidophilic cells in the parathyroid gland?

Unknown function Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the adrenal gland?

Cortex and medulla Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the Herring's bodies?

In the pituitary gland Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the pituitary gland that surrounds colloid-filled follicles?

Large and loosely stained cells Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Endocrine System

Characterized by parenchymal cells that release secretion products directly into the blood
Comprises endocrine glands and groups of isolated cells in non-endocrine organs
Regulates functions of cells in general or specific tissues or organs (target organs)
Works with the nervous system to maintain body homeostasis

Pituitary Gland

Divided into adenohypophysis (anterior lobe) and neurohypophysis (posterior lobe)
Adenohypophysis:
- Pars distalis: clusters of cell cords, dense network of sinusoid capillaries, and scarce connective tissue
- 3 main types of parenchymal cells: acidophilic, basophilic, and chromophobes
- Produces growth hormone, prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, gonadotropins, and thyroid-stimulating hormone
Pars intermedia: not well-developed in humans, characterized by large, loosely stained basophilic cells that can surround colloid-filled follicles
Neurohypophysis:
- No characteristic epithelium, fibrous and disorganized appearance
- Composed of pituicytes (neuroglia) supporting myelinated axons from the hypothalamus
- Herring's bodies: terminal dilation of axons containing oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone

Thyroid

Two lobes interconnected by a narrow isthmus in the superior trachea
Surrounded by a thin capsule of irregular dense connective tissue
Composed of numerous follicles, usually filled with colloid substance
Follicular cells: simple cubic-cylindrical epithelium lining follicles, producing thyroid hormone
Parafollicular cells or C cells: produce calcitonin, regulating calcium concentration in the blood

Parathyroid

Variable number of nodules, usually 4
Dense connective tissue capsule with septa carrying vessels
Composed of principal cells (parathyroid hormone, maintaining calcium balance) and oxyphile cells

Suprarenal (Adrenal)

Formed by cortex and medulla
Cortex:
- Three concentric zones: glomerulosa, fasciculata, and reticularis
- Produces aldosterone, cortisol, corticosterone, and androgens under ACTH regulation
Medulla:
- Groups of secretory parenchymal cells densely arranged in cords surrounded by networks of capillaries
- Chromaffin cells producing adrenaline and noradrenaline as neurotransmitters

Pineal (Epiphysis)

Projection of the roof of the diencephalon
Connective tissue envelope (Pia Mater) with trabeculae dividing it into incomplete lobules
Parenchyma:
- Pinealocytes in clumps or cords, producing melatonin and establishing circadian rhythm
- Interstitial cells (glia) supporting pinealocytes

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Description

This quiz covers the characteristics and components of the endocrine system, including the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands, as well as neuroendocrine cells.