What is the main function of the endocrine system?

The endocrine system maintains homeostasis by secreting hormones—chemical messengers that regulate distant organs and tissues. It works alongside the nervous system as one of the body's two primary control systems.

What are the major glands of the endocrine system?

The major glands include discrete glands like the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, suprarenal (adrenal), pineal, and thymus; scattered cells such as the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas and interstitial cells in the testes; and diffuse neuroendocrine cells in the gut and kidneys.

What hormones does the pituitary gland secrete?

The pituitary gland has two parts: the adenohypophysis (anterior) secretes hormones like MSH, while the neurohypophysis (posterior) stores and releases ADH and oxytocin produced by the hypothalamus.

How does the thyroid gland regulate metabolism?

The thyroid gland secretes T3 and T4 hormones, which regulate basal metabolic rate (BMR), growth, and development. It also produces calcitonin to lower blood calcium levels.

What are the roles of the adrenal glands?

The adrenal glands have two parts: the cortex secretes mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone), glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol), and sex steroids (androgens), while the medulla secretes catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine.

What is the function of the endocrine pancreas?

The endocrine pancreas contains islets of Langerhans with alpha cells that secrete glucagon to raise blood glucose and beta cells that secrete insulin to lower blood glucose.

What are common disorders of the endocrine system?

Common disorders include pituitary issues like gigantism/acromegaly from GH hypersecretion and diabetes insipidus from ADH deficiency; thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism (myxoedema/cretinism) and hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease); and pancreatic disorders like diabetes mellitus from insulin deficiency.

Endocrine System – Major Glands & Hormones Overview

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