Endocrine System Disorders Flashcards
What is included in the endocrine system?
Brain: Hypothalamus, pineal body, pituitary gland. Heart, thymus, pancreas, kidney, testis, thyroid and parathyroid.
Where is the hypothalamus and what does it do?
The hypothalamus is located at the base of the brain, near the optic chiasm where the optic nerves behind each eye cross and meet. The hypothalamus secretes hormones that stimulate or supress the release of hormones in the pituitary gland, in addition to controlling water balance, sleep, temperature, appetite, and blood pressure.
Where is the pineal body and what does it do?
The pineal body is located below the corpus callosum, middle of the brain. Produces the hormone melatonin, which helps the body know when its time to sleep.
Where is the pituitary gland and what does it do?
The pituitary gland is located below the brain and is usually no larger than a pea.
It controls many functions of the other endocrine glands.
There are two distinct parts: the anterior and posterior pituitary.
The gland is attached to the hypothalamus which controls its activity.
It secretes a number of hormones into the bloodstream which acts as messengers transmitting information from the pituitary gland to distant cells thereby regulating their activity.
Through the production of these hormones the pituitary gland controls growth, metabolism, sexual maturation, reproduction, blood pressure and many other vital functions.
Where are the thyroid and parathyroid, and what do they do?
The thyroid and parathyroid glands are located in front of the neck below the larynx (voice box). The thyroid plays an important role in the body’s metabolism
The parathyroid glands play an important role in the regulation of the body’s calcium
Where is the thymus and what does it do?
The thymus is located in the upper part of the chest
Produces white blood cells that fight infections and destroy abnormal cells.
