Endocrine Histology Flashcards
Hormonal control mechanisms
Endocrine control
Paracrine control
Autocrine control
Water soluble or hydrophobic hormones
Steroid hormones -hydrophobic, can cross cell membrane receptors inside cell
Protein hormones- hydrophilic - cant cross cell membrane receptors on cell membrane
Types of capillary
Continuous
Fenestrated
Discontinuous
Continuous capillary
Typically found in connective tissue
-cardiac, skeletal, smooth muscle
-skin
-lungs
-CNS
Uninterrupted vascular endothelium that rests on a continuous basal lamina
Fenestrated capillary
Typically found in endocrine glands, sites of fluid or metabolite absorption
Numerous openings (Fenestrations) providing channels across capillary wall
A continuous basal lamina across fenestrations on the basal plasma membrane surfaces
May also have thin, non membranous diaphragm, across opening referred to as filtration pores
Discontinuous capillary or sinusoids
Typically found in liver, spleen, bone marrow
Larger in diameter, more irregular shaped. Large openings in endothelial cytoplasm, separated by wide, irregular, intercellular gaps.
A discontinuous basal lamina
Embryology of the thyroid gland
Originates by cell proliferation between 1st and 2nd pharyngeal pouches near base of tongue
The migrates caudally along midline, division of the thyroid into right and left lobes also occurs during this time
4th week an endodermal proliferation (thyroid primordium) develops at tip of the foramen caecum of developing tongue
Migrates inferiorly to its final site anterior and inferior to larynx
Until the 5th week the thyroid remains connected to the foramen caecum by the thyroglossal duct
The gland reaches its final site in 7th week
What does the thyroid gland consist of
Mainly spherical follicles composed of simple epithelium of thyrocytes surrounding a lumen with thyroglobulin (colloid)
Thyroglobulin is a large glycoprotein in which tyrosine residues are iodinated as precursors of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4
Thyroid follicles also contain a few smaller and paler cells called parafollicular cells or C cells which produce calcitonin
Process of producing thyroid hormones via stored thyroglobulin
Both phases are promoted by TSH & may occur simultaneously in same cell
In exocrine phase: glycoprotein thyroglobulin made and secreted into follicular lumen, iodide pumped across cells into lumen, iodide converted to iodine by membrane bound thyroid peroxidase
Added to tyrosine residues of thyroglobulin to form monoiodotyrosine or diiodotyrosine which are then covalently coupled to form T3 and T4 still within glycoprotein
In endocrine phase: iodinated thyroglobulin endocytosed by thyrocytes and degraded by lysosomes, free active T3 &T4 released to adjacent capillaries in an endocrine matter
Where are the parathyroid glands
On posterior side of thyroid gland
Embryology of parathyroid glands
Pharyngeal pouch derivatives
Third pouch: inferior parathyroid glands, thymus
Fourth pouch: superior parathyroid gland and parafollicular cells (produce calcitonin in thyroid)
The inferior and superior parathyroid glands descend with the thymus and come to rest on the posterior surface of thyroid gland low in the neck
What do parathyroid glands consist of
Primarily of principal cells (chief cells) that secrete PTH (parathyroid hormone), that raises blood Ca2+ levels
What is calcitonin
Hormone thyroid gland secretes to help regulate calcium levels in blood by decreasing it. Produced by C cells in thyroid
Opposes actions of PTH (increases blood calcium levels)
What are the pancreatic islets of Langerhans
Small clusters of pale cells (neuroendocrine) embedded within exocrine tissue
They have primarily: B cells making insulin, a cells making glucagon and delta cells making somatostatin (GH inhibiting hormone)
Each islet consists of 2000 to 3000 cells surrounded by a network of fenestrated capillaries and supported by reticular fibres
Tissues the pancreas is divided into
Exocrine portion- acinar and duct tissue
Exocrine pancreas- formed by protein secretory acini with apically located zymogen granules
Endocrine portion- islets of Langerhans
Difference between exocrine and endocrine tissue
Exocrine glands secrete their substances through ducts onto body’s surfaces
Endocrine glands secrete their substances directly into bloodstream, ductless glands
What are adrenal glands
Also known as suprarenal glands
Located on top of kidneys
Left; semi lunar shape, higher T11
Right; pyramidal shape, lower T12
Secrete many hormones including cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline
Help to regulate several body functions including metabolism, blood pressure and body’s responses to stress
Composed of a cortex and medulla
What does the adrenal cortex consist of
3 histologically distinct zones; cells producing steroid hormones, drained by same system of capillaries
Most superficial zona glomerulosa with round cell clusters produce mineralcorticoids such as aldosterone, regulates electrolyte levels
Wider middle zone fasciculata with elongated strands of cells produce glucocorticoids such as cortisol, regulates carbohydrate metabolism. Cells known as spongiocytes
Innermost zona reticularis (largest zone) make a weak androgen DHEA converted to testosterone in men& women.
What does the adrenal medulla consist of
Inner region of the glands
Neural crest-derived chromaffin cells synthesising either adrenaline or noradrenaline that regulate the stress response