Endocrine System
Objectives
At the end of this lecture, student will be able to
• Compare control of body functions by the nervous system
and endocrine system
• Distinguish between exocrine and endocrine glands
• Describe various endocrine glands
• Explain water soluble and lipid soluble hormones
• Describe the anatomy and histology of thyroid glands
• Explain the steps involved in the synthesis, storage and
release of thyroid hormones
• Describe the anatomy, histology and function of
parathyroid glands
• List the different hormones secreted from adrenal glands
• Describe the function of adrenal glands
• Describe the anatomy of pancreas
• Explain the role of hormones secreted by pancreas in body
functions
• Describe the anatomy and physiological functions of gonads
• Describe the anatomy and physiological functions of pineal
gland
• Describe the disorders associated with various endocrine
glands
Nervous system Vs Endocrine system
Endocrine System
• The nervous and endocrine systems act together to
coordinate functions of all body systems
Exocrine glands
• Secrete their products into ducts
• Ducts carry the secretions into body cavities, into the
lumen of an organ, or to the outer surface of the body
• Sudoriferous (sweat), sebaceous (oil), mucous, and
digestive glands
Endocrine glands
• Secrete their products (hormones) into the interstitial
fluid surrounding the secretory cells
• From the interstitial fluid, hormones diffuse into blood
capillaries
• Blood carries them to target cells throughout the body
• The endocrine glands include:
– Pituitary
– Thyroid
– Parathyroid
– Adrenal
– Pineal glands
• Organs and tissues containing cells that secrete hormones:
– Hypothalamus
– Thymus
– Heart
– Pancreas, ovaries, testes
– Kidneys, stomach, liver, small intestine
– Skin, adipose tissue & placenta
Major Endocrine Glands
The Role of Hormonal Receptors
• Affects specific target cells by binding to specific
protein receptors
• Receptors – constantly being synthesized and broken down
• A target cell has 2000 to 100,000 receptors for a
particular hormone
• If a hormone is present in excess down – Regulation
• When a hormone is deficient – Upregulation
Circulating and Local Hormones
• Circulating hormones
– Act on distant targets
– Travel in blood
• Local hormones
– Paracrines act on neighboring cells
– Autocrines act on same cell that secreted them
Lipid – Soluble Hormones
• Steroid hormones – Derived from cholesterol. Each
• Thyroid hormones – Iodine + tyrosine
• Nitric oxide (NO) – Hormone and a neurotransmitter
Water – Soluble Hormones
• Amine hormones – Catecholamines, histamine, serotonin and
• Peptide hormones – ADH and oxytocin
• Protein hormones – GH and insulin
• Glycoprotein hormones – TSH
• Eicosanoid hormones – Prostaglandins and leukotrienes
Hormone Transport in Blood
• Water-soluble hormone
– Circulate in the watery blood plasma in a free form
• Lipid-soluble hormone molecules are bound to transport proteins
– The transport proteins – synthesized by liver cells
– Make lipid-soluble hormones temporarily water soluble
– Slow the rate of hormone loss in the urine
– 0.1–10% – free fraction
Thyroid Gland
• Thyroid follicles:
– Microscopic spherical sacs
– Make up most of the thyroid gland
– The wall of each follicle consists primarily of follicular
cells
• A basement membrane surrounds each follicle
Inactive: low cuboidal to squamous
Active: Cuboidal to low columnar
• The follicular cells produce two hormones:
– Thyroxine (Tetraiodothyronine or T4)
– Triiodothyronine or T3
• Parafollicular cells or C cells:
– Lie between follicles
– Produce the hormone calcitonin
– Helps regulate calcium homeostasis
Formation, Storage and Release of Thyroid Hormones
• Stores its secretory product in large quantities
• Thyroid hormones are synthesized by attaching iodine atoms
to the amino acid tyrosine
Steps involved in the synthesis of Thyroid hormones
• Iodide trapping
• Synthesis of thyroglobulin
• Thyroglobulin (TGB)
• Oxidation of iodide
• Iodination of tyrosine
• Coupling of T1 and T2
• Pinocytosis and digestion of colloid
• Secretion of thyroid hormones
• Transport in the blood
Actions of Thyroid Hormones
• T3 and T4 exert their effects throughout the body
• Increase basal metabolic rate (BMR)
• Stimulate synthesis of additional sodium-potassium pumps
• Calorigenic effect:
– As cells produce and use more ATP, more heat is given off
& body temperature rises
• Important role in the maintenance of normal body
temperature
• Regulation ofbmetabolism:
– Stimulate protein synthesis
– Increase the use of glucose and fatty acids for ATP
production
– Increase lipolysis
– Enhance cholesterol excretion
• Enhance some actions of the catecholamines
• Together with human growth hormone and insulin:
– Thyroid hormones accelerate body growth
– Particularly the growth of the nervous and skeletal systems
Regulation of secretion and actions of Thyroid hormones
Calcitonin
• Produced by the parafollicular cells
• Secretion of CT is controlled by a negative feedback system
• Calcitonin lowers the amount of blood calcium and phosphates by
– Inhibiting bone resorption by osteoclasts
– Accelerating uptake of calcium and phosphates into bone EC matrix
Parathyroid Glands
• Partially embedded in the posterior surface of the lateral
lobes of the thyroid gland
• Small, round masses of tissue (0.04 g)
• Contain 2 kinds of epithelial cells
• Chief (principal) cells: Numerous & produce parathyroid hormone
• Oxyphil cell
The roles of calcitonin, parathyroid hormone & calcitriol in calcium homeostasis
Adrenal glands
• Paired suprarenal glands
• Lies superior to each kidney in the retroperitoneal space
• Flattened pyramidal shape
• 3–5 cm in height, 2–3 cm in width
• Mass – 3.5–5 g
• Highly vascularized
• A connective tissue capsule covers the gland
Regions of Adrenal Glands
• Two structurally and functionally distinct regions:
• A large, peripherally located adrenal cortex (80–90%)
• Produces steroid hormones that are essential for life
• A small, centrally located adrenal medulla
• Produces three catecholamine hormones – Norepinephrine, epinephrine & a small amount of dopamine
Adrenal cortex – Zones
Zona glomerulosa (Outer zone)
• Cells are closely packed and arranged in spherical clusters and arched columns
• Secrete hormones called mineralocorticoids
Zona fasciculate (Middle zone)
• Widest zone
• Cells arranged in long, straight columns
• secrete glucocorticoids
Zona reticularis (Inner zone)
• Cells are arranged in branching cords
• Synthesize small amounts of weak androgens
Mineralocorticoids
Glucocorticoids
• Regulate metabolism and resistance to stress
• Include cortisol (hydrocortisone), corticosterone &
cortisone
• Cortisol is the most abundant – 95% of glucocorticoid
activity
• Control of glucocorticoid secretion occurs via a typical
negative feedback system
Effects of Glucocorticoids
Protein breakdown
• Increase the rate of protein breakdown mainly in muscle
fibers
• Thus increases the liberation of AA into the bloodstream
• AA used by body cells for synthesis of new proteins or for
ATP production
Glucose formationn(gluconeogenesis)
• Liver cells may convert certain AA or lactic acid to
glucose
• Neurons and other cells – use for ATP production
Resistance to stress
• Additional glucose supplied by the liver cells provides
tissues with a ready source of ATP
• Combat a range of stresses, including:
– Exercise, fasting, fright, temperature extremes
– High altitude, bleeding, infection, surgery, trauma,
disease
• Glucocorticoids make blood vessels more sensitive to otherbhormones – vasoconstriction
Lipolysis
• Glucocorticoids stimulate lipolysis in adipose tissue
Anti-inflammatorybeffects
• Inhibit WBC to participate in inflammatory responses
• Retard tissue repair – slow wound healing
Depression of immune responses
• Glucocorticoids depress immune responses
• In organ transplant recipients: retard tissue rejection by
the immune system
Androgens
In males
• Major androgen from adrenal gland is dehydroepiandrosterone
• After puberty in males, the androgen – testosterone released in much greater quantity by the testes
In females
• Adrenal androgens play important roles (promote libido)
• Converted into estrogens by other body tissues
Adrenal androgens
• Also stimulate growth of axillary and pubic hair in boys
and girls
• Contribute to the pre-pubertal growth spurt
Adrenal Medulla
• The hormone-producing cells – Chromaffin cells
• Innervated by sympathetic preganglionic neurons of the ANS
• The two major hormones: Epinephrine (80%) & Nor epinephrine (20%)
• Augment the fight-or-flight response
• Increase HR, FOC, BP & blood flow to the heart, liver, skeletal muscles, and adipose tissue
• Dilate airways to the lungs
• Increase blood levels of glucose and fatty acids
Pancreas
• A flattened organ that measures about 12.5–15 cm in length
• Located in the curve of the duodenum
• Consists of a head, a body, and a tail
• 99% of the cells of the pancreas are arranged in clusters
– acini
• Acini produce digestive enzymes
• Pancreatic islets or islets of Langerhans – Scattered among the exocrine acini
Pancreatic Islets
Cell Types in the Pancreatic Islets
Regulation of Insulin & Glucagon secretion
Role of Hormones
Actions of Glucagon
– Glycogenolysis
– Gluconeogenesis
– Release glucose into the blood
Actions of Somatostatin
– Inhibits secretion of insulin and glucagon
– Slows absorption of nutrients from GIT
Actions of Insulin
• Lowers blood glucose level by accelerating transport of
glucose into cells
• Glycogenesis
• Decreases glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis
• Increases lipogenesis
• Stimulates protein synthesis
Actions of pancreatic polypeptide
• Inhibits somatostatin secretion, gall bladder contraction
& secretion of pancreatic digestive enzymes
Gonads
• Gonads are the organs that produce gametes
• Sperm in males and oocytes in females
Ovaries
• Paired oval bodies located in the female pelvic cavity,
produce several steroid hormones including estrogens and progesterone
Testes
• Oval glands that lie in the scrotum
• Main hormone – testosterone (an androgen or male sex
hormone)
Hormones of Ovaries
Estrogens and Progesterone
Together with gonadotropic hormones of the anterior
pituitary, regulate the female reproductive cycle, regulate oogenesis, maintain pregnancy, prepare the mammary glands for lactation, and promote development and maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics.
Relaxin
Increases flexibility flexibility of pubic symphysis during
pregnancy and helps dilate uterine cervix during labor and delivery.
Inhibin
Inhibits secretion of FSH from anterior pituitary.
Hormones of Testes
Testosterone
Stimulates descent of the testes before birth, regulates spermatogenesis, and promotes development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics.
Inhibin
Inhibits secretion of FSH from anterior pituitary.
Pineal Gland
• Small endocrine gland (Mass – 0.1–0.2 g)
• Attached to the roof of the third ventricle of brain at
the midline
• Covered by a capsule formed by the pia mater
• Consists of masses of neuroglia and secretory cells
(Pinealocytes)
• Secretes melatonin: an amine hormone derived from serotonin
• Contribute to the setting of the body’s biological clock
• Thought to promote sleepiness
Hormones from other tissues
Disorders associated with various endocrine glands
Gigantism
• Hypersecretion of hGH during childhood
• Causes an abnormal increase in the length of long bones
• The person grows to be very tall
• Body proportions – normal
Pituitary dwarfism
• Hyposecretion of hGH during the growth years
• Slows bone growth
• Epiphyseal plates close before normal height is reached
• Other organs of the body also fail to grow
• The body proportions are childlike
Acromegaly
• Hypersecretion of hGH during adulthood
• Cannot produce further lengthening of the long bones
• The bones of the hands, feet, cheeks, jaws – thicken
• Other tissues enlarge
• The eyelids, lips, tongue, nose – enlarge
• The skin thickens and develops furrows
• Especially on the forehead and soles
Diabetes insipidus
• Associated with dysfunction of the posterior pituitary
• Due to defects in ADH receptors or an inability to secrete
ADH
• Common symptom – excretion of large volumes of urine
• With resulting dehydration and thirst
• Bed-wetting is common in afflicted children
Diabetes mellitus
• Caused by an inability to produce or use insulin
• Type I – Insulin dependent
• Type II – Non-insulin dependent
Congenitalbhypothyroidism (Cretinism)
• Hyposecretion of thyroid hormones that is present at birth
• Causes severe mental retardation and stunted bone growth
Myxedema
• Hypothyroidism during the adult years
• Hallmark of this disorder – Edema
• Causes the facial tissues to swell and look puffy
• Slow HR, low BT, sensitivity to cold, dry hair and skin
• Muscular weakness, general lethargy
• Tendency to gain weight easily
Graves’ disease
• Common form of hyperthyroidism
• Autoimmune disorder
• Antibodies mimic the action of TSH
• Stimulate the thyroid gland
• Enlarged thyroid & exophthalmos
Goiter
• Enlarged thyroid gland
• Associated with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or euthyroidism
Cushing’s syndrome
• Cause – adrenal gland tumor
• Characterized by breakdown of muscle proteins and redistribution of body fat
• Spindly arms and legs
• Rounded moon face
• Buffalo hump
• Hanging abdomen
• Facial skin flush
Addison’s disease
• Hyposecretion of glucocorticoids and aldosterone causes
• Autoimmune disorder – Ab cause adrenal cortex destruction
• Bacteria (tuberculosis) – Trigger adrenal cortex destruction
• Mental lethargy, Muscular weakness
• Anorexia, nausea and vomiting & weight loss
Summary
• Endocrine system consists of endocrine glands (pituitary,
thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and pineal glands) and other hormone secreting tissues
• Exocrine glands secrete their products through ducts into
body cavities or onto body surfaces
• Endocrine glands secrete hormones into interstitial fluid;
hormones diffuse into the blood
• Thyroid gland is located inferior to the larynx; secrete
thyroxine, triiodothyronine & calcitonin (CT)
• Parathyroid glands are embedded in the posterior surfaces
of the lateral lobes of the thyroid gland; secrets parathormone; controls the level of calcium in the blood
• Adrenal glands consists of an outer adrenal cortex and
inner adrenal medulla
• Adrenal cortex secretes mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens
• Adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine; releasednduring stress
• Thyroid gland is located inferior to the larynx; secrete thyroxine, triiodothyronine & calcitonin (CT)
• Parathyroid glands are embedded in the posterior surfaces
of the lateral lobes of the thyroid gland; secrets parathormone; controls the level of calcium in the blood
• Adrenal glands consists of an outer adrenal cortex and
inner adrenal medulla
• Adrenal cortex secretes mineralocorticoids,
glucocorticoids, and androgens
• Adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine; released during stress
• Pancreas are considered as mixed glands; consists of both
exocrine and endocrine functions
• Glucagon increases blood glucose level; insulin decreases
blood glucose level.
• Secretion of both hormones is controlled by the level of
glucose in the blood
• Ovaries are located in the pelvic cavity and produce
estrogens, progesterone, and inhibin; maintains the development of female secondary sex characters and other reproductive structures
• Testes produce testosterone & inhibin; govern the
development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics and normal male reproductive functions
• Pineal gland secretes melatonin, which contributes to
setting the body’s biological clock
• Hypersecreation of hGH hormones produce Acromegaly during adulthood.
• Hypersecreation of hGH hormones produce Gigantism during childhood.
• Hyposecreation of hGH hormones Pituitary dwarfism
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