University:
Western Sydney University
Course:
MEDI 2003 | Clinical Sciences 2
Academic year:

2024
Views:

222

Pages:

2
Author:

Mariam A. A.

The Endocrine System Endocrine system ● Cells, tissues and organs that secrete hormones as a primary or secondary function ● Composed of glandular epithelial tissue ● Maintains homeostasis as the hormone is secreted into interstitial fluid (space between tissue because it is ductless) then into the bloodstream and the blood vessels, where it will have an effect on another gland/tissue/organ ● Don’t confuse it with the exocrine system → exocrine = secretions go through ducts Organs of the primary endocrine system and their location Hypothalamus ○ Is not made of glandular tissue, it is made up of nervous tissue ○ Tells the pituitary gland when to release secretions ○ Extends a stalk anteriorly to connect to the pituitary gland Pituitary gland ○ Pea shaped gland under the frontal lobes in the cranial cavity and is well protected ○ Sends secretions to the other endocrine glands throughout the body ○ In the cranial cavity ○ Anterior part is glandular but the posterior part is connected to the hypothalamus (nervous tissue) Thyroid ○ Located on top of the thyroid cartilage (on top of the respiratory tract) ○ Maintenance of metabolism (impacts on weight) ○ Anterior neck Thymus ○ Larger in children and adolescent ○ Establishes immunity and makes immune cells (T cells) ○ Shrinks and becomes redundant tissue in adults ○ Mediastinum Adrenal glands ○ Make adrenaline ○ Sit on top of the kidneys like a hat on both sides ○ Sitting on posterior abdominal wall and behind the serous membranes ○ Retroperitoneal space of abdominal cavity Pancreas ○ Top sits within the curve of the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) ○ Same space as the kidneys ○ Tail is associated with the intraperitoneal organ ○ ○ ○ Regulates insulin levels (endocrine) Also has an exocrine function which has a duct (exocrine) Retroperitoneal space of the abdominal cavity Reproductive glands ○ Ovaries are in the pelvic region in the sub peritoneal space ○ Secrete the sex hormones to initiate sexually dimorphic features and changes that give appearance of being male or female