BL L9 Flashcards
Define gland
An epithelial cell or an aggregate of epithelial cells that are SPECIALISED FOR THE SECRETION OF A SUBSTANCE
Define secretion
The production and release of materials by a cell or aggregate of cells
In one sentence, what is the major role of glands
Glands regulate human physiology to a large extent by receiving a stimulus for the brain, but also from circulating levels of chemicals (e.g. from blood) and from neighbouring cells
Name two ways glands can be classed?
- Structure
- How the release their products
Name two types of gland structure
- Endocrine (ductless)
- Exocrine (ducted) (Ex - ‘got an exit’)
Endocrine glands (where do they secrete, what do they secrete, how far does this secretion have an impact on?)
DUCTLESS - These glands secrete directly into blood flowing through them - Secreting into the blood lets the secretion function at distant parts of the body. - Secrete hormones Examples: • Pituitary gland • Thyroid gland • Parathyroid gland
Pituitary gland: Location, structure, what each part does
• Pituitary Gland (of the hypothalamus): beneath (inferior to) the hypothalamus in the brain.
Anterior (front part) pituitary gland: produces hormones (ACTH, LH, FSH, TSH) that regulate most of the glands of the endocrine system; prolactin: stimulates milk production in mothers; somatotrophin: A hormone which regulates the growth of the body and tissues
Posterior (rear part) pituitary: produces vasopressin (ADH or anti-diuretic hormone) that prevent water loss from kidneys. Oxytocin, which signals uterus for delivery in pregnant women at the end of gestation and ejection of milk during breast feeding.
What does the anterior part of the pituitary gland produce?
ACTH, LH, FSH, TSH, prolactin, somatotrophin
What does the posterior part of the pituitary gland produce?
Vasopressin (ADH), oxytocin
Thyroid gland
Endocrine gland
Produces thyroid hormones T3 & T4 that control metabolism; calcitonin, involved in calcium homeostasis
NEED TO LEARN NAMES OF ALL THE HORMONE SHORTENINGS
Parathyroid gland
Endocrine gland
Produces parathyroid hormone, calcium homeostasis
Do all the epithelial cells secrete hormones in endocrine glands?
Yes they do, all epithelial cells secrete the hormones in the gland
Exocrine gland (where do the secretions go? What is secreted? Examples)
DUCTED - These glands secrete into a location or region of the body through a duct, and their secretions are mostly enzymes or lubricants. Examples: • Salivary gland • Pancreas • Mammary • Sweat glands • Sebaceous gland • Lachrymal glands
Salivary glands
Exocrine gland
In the buccal cavity secrete saliva. Saliva has many functions including partial digestion of food and lubrication
Pancreas
Exocrine gland
Secretes enzymes: amylase, trypsin, and lipase. These enzymes digest carbohydrates, proteins and fats, respectively
Mammary gland
Exocrine gland
Produces colostrum and milk in response to prolactin and oxytocin (hormones) to nourish neonates
Sweat gland
Exocrine gland
Secrete sweat, which acts to regulate body temperature and also excretion
Sabaceous gland
Exocrine gland
Secretes sebum onto the skin and in the ear (contributes to earwax) to protect these tissues from pathogens
Lachrymal gland
Exocrine gland
In eye secrete water to moisten the eye, also produce lysozyme (an enzyme to attack bacteria).
Explain how glands are made
(refer to pic in notes)
1. The cells in the connective tissue layer (called fibroblasts) make a growth factor called FGF (fibroblast growth factor)
2. FGF stimulates the epithelial cells that have a receptor to proliferate (‘proliferation of daughter cells’). As they proliferate, it produces an enzyme that degrades the extracellular matrix in the connective tissue layer.
3.Epithelial cells invade space created and grow into a ball of cells
WHAT HAPPENS TO EXOCRINE GLANDS:
— Exocrine gland: Central cells die off to produce duct
(canalicularisation). There are two types of cells in this gland: ductal cells (don’t secrete anything) and cells at the apex at the end of the gland which do secrete.
WHAT HAPPENS TO ENDOCRINE GLANDS:
— Endocrine gland: The epithelial produce angiogenic factors (growth factors) that stimulate blood vessel growth in and around the epithelial cells. At the same time, the link to connecting mother to daughter cells breaks off through apoptosis, therefore a duct isn’t formed. Instead, we get an aggregation of epithelial cells with blood vessels around it.
What are the two types of cells in exocrine gland?
- Ductal cells (do not secrete anything)
- Apex cells (secretory portion)
How does branching occur? e.g. lung
- Fibroblast cells release more FGF
- Epithelial cells move towards this signal
Two fates:
1. Tube elongation: Growth factor 1 is active, growth factor 2 is inactive
2. Tube branching: Growth factors 1 is inactive, growth factor 2 is active. With branching, growth factor 1 causes elongation, it then becomes inactive and growth factor 2 becomes active. Growth factor 2 causes the tubes to then branch. Then growth factor 2 turns off and growth factor 1 turns back on, causing the elongation of both branches, etc.