Endocrine
The endocrine system is one of the most important devices that control the body’s various functions such as growth, movement and reproduction, in addition to its role in regulating metabolism. The endocrine system consists of a group of endocrine glands that secrete a number of hormones. These hormones move through the blood to all tissues of the body, and the target tissues do their job. The most prominent of these glands include:
- Thyroid gland Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are found in the lower anterior region of the neck, ranging in length from 12-15mm, extending from the fifth cervical vertebra to the first thorax. These hormones regulate metabolism, growth, and development, as well as their role in promoting Gluconeogenesis, and increased protein production.
- Parathyroid glands: A group of glands located near the posterior side of the thyroid gland and similar to bean grains, four glands secrete the thyroid hormone thyroid gland, which maintains the balance of calcium levels in the body.
- Pineal gland It is a small gland located in the center of the brain. The melatonin, which regulates the rhythm of the body’s biological clock, is released. A number of studies are conducted to determine the other functions of the gland. Melatonin secretion.
- Pancreas: A member located in the upper left of the abdomen and specifically behind the stomach, and divided into two main sections depending on the glands that it contains, namely:
- Exocrine glands: These glands make up about 95% of the pancreas, and act to secrete digestible enzymes for carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
- Endocrine glands: These glands are specifically the islands of Langerhans (Islets of Langerhans), which secrete insulin hormones (Insulin) and glucagon (Glucagon), which control blood sugar.
- Pituitary gland The pituitary gland is located in the cranial cavity called the Turkish saddle (Sella turcica). It is divided into two parts, one front and the other. Each section is characterized by the quality of the hormones it produces. The most common hormones produced by the pituitary gland are oxytocin, Vasopressin, and the frontal pituitary gland is called the main gland to release a large group of hormones that control the function of other glands.
- Gland (Gonads): The testicles are represented in males, ovaries in females, and are secreted by testosterone, estrogen and estrogen.
- Adrenal gland: It is also known as renal glomerular gland because it is located above the left and right kidneys. The adrenal gland is characterized by its triglycerides. Its hormones regulate the metabolism of the body. It also regulates the balance of water and salts in the blood. The most prominent hormones are cortisol, sugar level in blood.
Factors Affecting Endocrine Functions
The endocrine depends on increasing the secretion or decrease on the mechanism of feedback, ie, the more the secretion of a specific hormone in quantities more than the need of the body, some glands send signals to the gland responsible for the secretion of this hormone to reduce secretion until it reaches its normal level, Factors that affect the secretion or delivery of hormones, which is reflected negatively affect the functions responsible for revitalization, and the most prominent reasons include:
- Age: Although endocrine is not affected by aging in most people, there are a number of changes that may occur in some people as a difference in the amount of secretion or decomposition of hormones, in addition to the difference in the response of target tissues to the hormone.
- Presence of diseases: Endocrine activity is particularly affected by chronic diseases, as the level of certain hormones can be increased due to a defect in the process of decomposition that occurs in the kidneys and liver mainly.
- Stress: Cortisol is released more often when a person experiences mental or physical stress. If the adrenal gland fails to respond to these stresses, human life can be at risk.
The most prominent endocrine-related diseases
Most endocrine diseases are caused by the high level of hormones or hypoglycemia, which causes a disturbance to the body’s various functions. The most prominent of these diseases are the following: