Introduction to Endocrinology
Endocrinology; What is it?
Endocrinology is the study of hormones including diseases and conditions related or associated with hormonal imbalance. The endocrine system which is a finely integrated system continually communicate through feedback inhibition and stimulation to control all aspects of metabolism, growth and reproduction. Through this, it is possible to characterize an underlying abnormality and provide treatment.
Questions regarding growth and development can now be addressed by studying the changing pattern of hormones. It is a known truth that the endocrine system regulates our mood, growth and maturity, tissue function, metabolism as well as sexual and reproductive function.
For sure it will tickle our mind and imagination for what seems to be a dry, boring subject is a wonderful subject very interesting and educational.
Figure 1
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Major Endocrine Glands and Hormones
glands
|
HORMONES
|
GLAND/HORMONE FUNCTION
|
SOME
DISORDERS
|
Hypothalamus
(Lower middle of the brain) |
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) Prolactin-(PRL) Antidiuretic Hormones- (ADH) |
Communicates with both nervous and endocrine systems.
Stimulates (GHRH, TRH, CRH, GnRH) or inhibits (PIF)
hormone production in the pituitary
Water balance |
Precocious puberty (early GnRH production) Kallman syndrome (inadequate GnRH production) |
Pituitary
(below hypothalamus, behind
sinus cavity)
|
Prolactin
Growth Hormone
ACTH
TSH
LH, FSH |
Milk
production
Bone
growth
Stimulates cortisol
Stimulates
thyroid
Regulation
of testosterone and estrogen, fertility
|
Hypopituitarism
Empty Sella Syndrome Galactorrhea Acromegaly or Gigantism (excess GH)
Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD)
Cushing disease (excess ACTH) Hyper/Hypothyroidism (TSH)
Loss
of menstrual period
Loss of sex drive Infertility |
Thyroid
(butterfly shaped,
Lies flat against windpipe in
the throat)
|
T4 (thyroxine)
T3 (triiodothyronine) calcitonin |
Metabolism
Regulate blood in calcium |
Thyroid diseases (including hypo and
hyperthyroidism)
|
Parathyroid
(located above or next to
thyroid)
|
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) or
Parathormone
|
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism |
|
Adrenal
(2 organs on top of kidneys)
|
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
Aldosterone
Cortisol
|
Blood pressure regulation
stress reaction
Salt, water balance Stress reaction |
Pheochromocytopenia(MEN2)
Conn syndrome
Cushing syndrome
Addisons disease |
Ovaries
(located on the pelvis)
|
Estrogen
Progesterone |
Female
sexual characteristics
|
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
|
Testes
(located in the groin)
|
Testosterone
|
Male sexual characteristics
|
Hypogonadism
|
Pancreas
(located behind the stomach)
|
Insulin
Glucagon Somatostatin |
Glucose
regulation
|
Diabetes mellitus
MENI Zollinger-Ellison syndrome |
Pineal
(lower side of the brain)
|
Melatonin
|
Helps control sleep patterns
|
Did you know that Nervous system and Endocrine system work together?
For us to understand more, please watch this video!
You might wonder how this is possible? For our information, the endocrine and nervous system work together to attain a normal body function. The endocrine system in charge of the body processes of cell growth and development of different body organs of the body while breathing and movement of the body are controlled by the nervous system.
The hypothalamus which is the linked of the nervous system to the endocrine system via pituitary gland allows the release of hormones and is then circulated to different body organs. Here, we can see that the two major vital systems of our body work hand in hand to promote maintain a normal body function, our bodies normal function.
For us to understand more, please watch this video!
Reference:
http://www.blurtit.com/q1085214.html
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_does_the_nervous_and_endocrine_systems_work_together
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/endocrine/start/2
Donald F. Calbreath, Clinical Chemistry a Fundamental Textbook
Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods 21st Edition
