Endocrine system composition, functions and treatment. endocrine function

This diagram shows the influence of the proper functioning of the human endocrine system on the functions of various organs.

Kidneys and adrenal glands

Pancreas

testicles

Foot cabinet

The endocrine system plays a very important role in the human body. She is responsible for growth and development mental capacity controls the functioning of organs. The endocrine glands produce various chemicals called hormones. Hormones have a huge impact on mental and physical development, growth, changes in the structure of the body and its functions, determine sex differences.

Above the basement membrane, which limits each vesicle, it is located l epithelium. It mainly consists of a single cubic cell layer that delimits as a normal vesicle cavity coating. In this cavity collects the product of secretion or At least, as in the case of the thyroid gland, which is the most a typical example closed vesicular gland, one of the products of secretion. The colloid that fills the thyroid vesicles is not actually secreted specifically active, namely thyroxine, but a supply of material that some believe is from the same thyroid cells used to process thyroxine.

The main organs of the endocrine system are:

thyroid and thymus glands;
epiphysis and pituitary gland;
adrenal glands; pancreas;
testicles in men and ovaries in women.

Age features of the endocrine system

The hormonal system in adults and children does not work the same way. The formation of glands and their functioning begins even during prenatal development. The endocrine system is responsible for the growth of the embryo and fetus. In the process of body formation, connections are formed between the glands. After the birth of a child, they become stronger.

Solid epithelial bodies are those endocrine glands in which. no cavities formed and designed to collect the secretion product They consist of accumulations of secreting cells; it is a support above the basement membrane that separates them from the interstitial connective tissue and are sometimes arranged in the form of cords filled, sometimes nodules or islands. The secretion passes directly from the cells in the blood vessels or in the lymphatic vessels. Accumulative nodular accumulations are collected from human pituitary cells, cells bone marrow adrenal capsule, etc.

From the moment of birth to the onset of puberty, the most important are thyroid, pituitary gland, adrenal glands. In puberty, the role of sex hormones increases. In the period from 10-12 to 15-17 years old, many glands are activated. In the future, their work will stabilize. With the right lifestyle and the absence of diseases, there are no significant disruptions in the endocrine system. The only exception is sex hormones.

Often in endocrine glands ax or cell networks, that is, in the so-called hard epithelial corpuscles, there are also closed vesicles. These would be normal constituents of an organ in the thyroid gland, but in other glands would instead appear only under certain circumstances, when the secretion, instead of passing directly to the blood vessels or lymph, first accumulates in the intercellular vests, which become the center of the formation of true vesicles Sometimes endocrine glands are mixed glands, meaning they consist of morphologically and physiologically various parts, so that the supramrenal capsules in which the bone marrow substance and the cortical substance have morphological significance and have a very different function.

Pituitary

The greatest importance in the process of human development is assigned to the pituitary gland. It is responsible for the functioning of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and other peripheral parts of the system.

The main function of the pituitary gland is to control body growth. It is performed due to the production of growth hormone (somatotropic). The gland significantly affects the functions and role of the endocrine system, therefore, if it does not work properly, the production of hormones by the thyroid gland, adrenal glands is carried out incorrectly.

Often there are cases of mutual penetration between the tissues of the endocrine and other tissues. A characteristic feature is the pheochrome or cocofin system, which has the function of internal secretion and is embedded in the sympathetic nervous system, with which it also shares a common embryonic stem. And also in the male and female gonads, endocrine tissue in the form of cell clusters or scattered cells confused with the germinal part and as a whole forms the interstitial gland of the testicle and ovary, respectively.

There are dual functional glands that at one time function as exocrine glands and as endocrine glands, because their cells provide "one and all" other forms of secretion; So, for example, the external secretion of liver cells is bile and the internal secretion of glycogen. He then generally acknowledges that other exocrine glands work simultaneously as endocrine glands, such as the breast. The possibility has been entertained by some that in some cases there is an exocrine and endocrine function which especially supports Lagess for the pancreatic islets of Langerhans.

epiphysis

The epiphysis is a gland that functions most actively until primary school age (7 years). The gland produces hormones that inhibit sexual development. By 3-7 years, the activity of the pineal gland decreases. During puberty, the number of hormones produced is significantly reduced.

Thyroid

Another important gland in the human body is the thyroid gland. It begins to develop one of the first in the endocrine system. The greatest activity of this part of the endocrine system is observed at 5-7 and 13-14 years.

The endocrine island will only be morphologically and functionally during a transitional period after which exocrine function will resume and therefore aggravated alveoli and groups of the esophagus may transform into endocrine islets. This theory is of little value.

At present, we tend to expand the capacity for internal secretion of a large part of the constituents of the body. We have seen that some endocrine formulations do not have the value of glandular epithelium, but rather are derivatives of connective tissue. Interstitial gland of testis and ovary. However, if the derivation of these formations was indeed coherent, the demonstration of this fact would already represent a significant step towards the generalization of endocrine function beyond the glandular epithelial tissue.

parathyroid glands

The parathyroid glands begin to form at the 2nd month of pregnancy (5-6 weeks). Most active parathyroid gland observed in the first 2 years of life. Then, up to 7 years, it is maintained at a fairly high level.

Thymus

The thymus gland or thymus is most active in puberty (13-15 years). Its absolute weight begins to increase from the moment of birth, and the relative one decreases, from the moment the growth of iron ceases to function. It is also important during the development of immune bodies. To this day, it has not been determined whether thymus produce some hormone. Correct dimensions of this gland can change in all children, even peers. During exhaustion and disease, the mass of the thymus rapidly decreases. With increased demands on the body and during increased secretion of the sugar hormone of the adrenal cortex, the volume of the gland decreases.

Fat adipose fat is also replenished, since this, in turn, can be reabsorbed, is considered an element of internal secretion. Kajala, would also be neurological cells and specifically a protoplasmic-type astrocyte. It is certain that something in the metabolic products of any cellular element terminates in the circulatory system, and it is not necessary to assume that each cellular element has its own role in maintaining the chemical balance of the circulating fluids in the body and that a change in the metabolism of any cellular group can, if not compensated, cause a disturbance in this balance, but, on the other hand, it is not necessary to go through an exaggeration of the desire to generalize all elements of the body the concept of real internal secretion, nor should it happen in error, too often, to be considered an argument for attributing to such an element such a function of demonstrating electrically stained granules, as if the presence of granules In the cell, it is always an indicator of a secretive function.

adrenal glands

Adrenals. The formation of glands occurs up to 25-30 years. The greatest activity and growth of the adrenal glands are observed at 1-3 years, as well as during sexual development. Thanks to the hormones that iron produces, a person can control stress. They also affect the process of cell renewal, regulate metabolism, sexual and other functions.

Previously empirically known effects on development and nutrition from the eradication of certain organs, the changes that occur during puberty and menopause, resulting in pregnancy, etc.: then results were found that made extracts of certain organs on the whole body.

But the study of painful frames associated with anatomical changes in certain organs or their eradication by disease created a true body of doctrine, supplemented by experimental pathology and organ therapy through useful action juices or organic extracts administered to organisms that are in a functional defect or even in transplantation of Organs or fragments normal organs. Various functional changes correspond to certain clinical scales related to the pathological condition of each individual organ: within very narrow limits it is possible that some glands can "set functional compensatory events": most often correlations between different endocrine glands They cause more complex syndromes to reflect on, that the disease of an organ affects the function of another, causing or suppressing it.

Pancreas

Pancreas. The development of the pancreas occurs before 12 years of age. This gland, together with the sex glands, belongs to the mixed glands, which are organs of both external and internal secretion. In the pancreas, hormones are produced in the so-called islets of Langerhans.

Female and male gonads

The female and male gonads are formed during prenatal development. However, after the birth of a child, their activity is restrained until the age of 10-12, that is, until the onset of the pubertal crisis.

Most endocrinopathies take place among replacement diseases, and many pathological abnormalities of replacement are the result of damage to the endocrine tissues and the autonomic nervous system with which they are in an intimate functional relationship: even the supposed detoxifying effect "increases the number of conciliators" with the hormonal.

Rudinger, interaction of glands with innervation. Endocrine cells have morphological features and features of glandular cells. For the most part, these are true glandular epithelial cells; but also those endocrine cells for which it is reliably known that their connecting output, as in the case of the so-called interstitial gland of the testis and ovary, luteal cells, etc. have an epithelial appearance. protoplasm is abundant, the nucleus can show form and constitutional changes in relation to function, as is also known for external secretion cells.

The male sex glands are the testicles. From the age of 12-13, the gland begins to work more actively under the influence of GnRH. In boys, growth accelerates, secondary sexual characteristics appear. At the age of 15, spermatogenesis is activated. By the age of 16-17, the process of development of the male gonads is completed, and they begin to work in the same way as in an adult.

Some recognize that these different types of cells do not correspond to different stages of one function, but to the secretion of one active principle. In almost all cellular elements that are considered endocrine, it is seen that the cytological character, which is sometimes erroneous, however, is very characteristic of the secretory cell as a whole: the presence of granules, which are considered to be granules of secretion or presetto. Sometimes these endocellular granules are chemically detectable, as in the case of granulocytes or lipoid cortical cell droplets of supratranal capsules or testicular and ovarian interstitial cells; sometimes also have the character of specificity, such as cells of the chromaffin granule of the adrenal bone marrow, and so on.

The female sex glands are the ovaries. The development of the sex glands occurs in 3 stages. From birth to 6-7 years there is a neutral stage.

During this period, the hypothalamus is formed female type. From the age of 8 until the onset of adolescence lasts puberty. From the first menstruation, puberty is observed. At this stage, active growth occurs, the development of secondary sexual characteristics, the formation menstrual cycle.

But "identification" between these granules and the active substance of the secretion or the relationship between them and this is not always easy to demonstrate. In most cases, internal secretion is merocrine. The secretory element, i.e. performed by the function, is in the Reactivation state after a rest period. But there are also cases of secretion of oloks, which are characterized by the fact that the elements are destroyed by hand, as the secretory work is done. This phenomenon is widely used in the thymus, but it also appears in part in the thyroid and pituitary glands.

The endocrine system in children is more active than in adults. The main changes in the glands occur at an early age, younger and older school age.

Functions of the endocrine system

takes part in the humoral (chemical) regulation of body functions and coordinates the activity of all organs and systems.
maintains the body's homeostasis under changing conditions external environment.
together with the nervous immune systems regulates the growth, development of the organism, its sexual differentiation and reproductive function;
takes part in the processes of formation, use and conservation of energy.

In conjunction with the nervous system, hormones are involved in providing emotional reactions to human mental activity.

Distribution blood vessels in the endocrine organs and their relationship with cellular elements are of great importance, since the blood vessels are the main, if not the only, way of receiving and distributing secretion products in the body. Endocrine organs are richly vascularized; the capillary network around the vesicles of closed glandular glands or around the cords and cellular networks of hard epithelial corpuscles is very intense; Cell cords and nests are also intercepted by blood capillaries; So often give individual cells enclosed in capillary networks; Direct contact between secretory and capillary cells.

Endocrine diseases

Endocrine diseases are a class of diseases that result from a disorder of one or more endocrine glands. Endocrine diseases are based on hyperfunction, hypofunction or dysfunction of the endocrine glands.

Why You Need a Pediatric Endocrinologist

Specificity pediatric endocrinologist is to monitor correct formation growing organism. This direction has its subtleties, and therefore it was apart.

Often the vessels related to the endocrine cells are sinusoidal in nature. Lymphatic vessels also richly represented; But their connection with the glandular elements is less clearly demonstrated. However, some of them prefer to use the lymphatic route as a way to capture the secretions of certain glands. Innervation is also striking. Vasomotor nerves form around thick, empty vases.

But the contingent of fibers also matters, which is in direct contact with the secretory cells, wrapping them in the network of their terminal extensions. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are brain circuit, through which biosynthesis can be carried out various hormones, which regulate a number of biological events. The hypothalamic-pituitary axis connects nervous system with the endocrine system, ensuring the implementation of regulatory processes of secretory hormones.

parathyroid glands

Parathyroid glands. Responsible for the distribution of calcium in the body. It is essential for bone formation, muscle contraction, heart function, and transmission of nerve impulses. Both deficiency and excess lead to serious consequences. You need to see a doctor if you experience:

muscle cramps;
Tingling in the limbs or spasms;
Fracture of a bone from a slight fall;
Poor condition of teeth, hair loss, stratification of nails;
Frequent urination;
Weakness and fatigue.

Prolonged lack of hormones in children leads to a delay in the development of both physical and mental. The child does not remember well what he has learned, is irritable, prone to apathy, and complains.

The hypothalamus is a brain structure in which information comes from different anatomical regions of the body. The hypothalamus is located in the central region of the brain, inside the two hemispheres and is the abdominal part of the diencephaloid. In more detail, the hypothalamus is located on the third cerebral sides of the ventricle and is bounded posterior to the mammillary bodies, anterior to optic nerves, in the upper hypothalamic sulcus and downward from the pituitary gland, with which it is in close contact both from an anatomical point of view.

It consists of gray cells grouped into nuclei, divided into three groups: anterior, middle and posterior. The hypothalamus controls and controls the autonomic nervous system. In fact, it is able to modify visceral motility, the sleepwalking cycle, hydrosaline balance, body temperature, appetite, expression of emotional states, and the endocrine system.

Thyroid

The thyroid gland produces hormones that are responsible for the metabolism in the cells of the body. Violation of its work affects all organ systems. You need to see a doctor if:

There is clear signs obesity or severe thinness;
Weight gain even with a small amount of food consumed (and vice versa);
The child refuses to wear clothes with a high neck, complaining of a feeling of pressure;
Puffiness of the eyelids, bulging eyes;
Frequent coughing and swelling in the goiter;
Hyperactivity is replaced severe fatigue;
Drowsiness, weakness.

adrenal glands

The adrenal glands produce three types of hormones. The former are responsible for water-salt balance in the body, the second - for the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, the third - for the formation and work of muscles. It is necessary to consult a doctor if the child has:

Cravings for salty foods;
poor appetite accompanied by weight loss
Frequent nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain;
Low blood pressure;
The pulse is below normal;
Complaints of dizziness, pre-fainting;

The baby's skin is golden brown, especially in areas that are almost always white (the creases of the elbows, knee joint, on the scrotum and penis, around the nipples).

Pancreas

The pancreas is an important organ responsible mainly for the digestive processes. It also regulates carbohydrate metabolism with the help of insulin. Diseases of this organ are called pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus. signs acute inflammation pancreas and reasons for calling an ambulance:

Sharp pain in the abdomen (sometimes girdle);
The attack lasts several hours;
Vomit;
In a sitting position and leaning forward, the pain subsides.

It is necessary to recognize the onset of diabetes and visit a doctor when a child has:

constant thirst;
Often wants to eat, but at the same time for a short time he lost a lot of weight;
There was urinary incontinence during sleep;
The child is often irritated and began to study poorly;
Skin lesions appeared (boils, barley, severe diaper rash), often occurring and not passing for a long time.

Thymus

The thymus gland is a very important organ of the immune system that protects the body from infections. various etiologies. If the child is often sick, visit a pediatric endocrinologist, perhaps the reason is an increase in the thymus gland. The doctor will prescribe supportive therapy and the frequency of diseases can be reduced.

Testicles and ovaries

The testicles and ovaries are glands that produce sex hormones according to the sex of the child. They are responsible for the formation of the genital organs and the appearance of secondary signs. You need to visit a doctor if you experience:

Lack of testicles (even one) in the scrotum at any age;
The appearance of secondary sexual characteristics earlier than 8 years and their absence by 13 years;
After a year, the menstrual cycle has not improved;
Hair growth in girls on the face, chest, on middle line abdomen and their absence in boys;
The boy's mammary glands swell, his voice does not change;
An abundance of acne.

Hypothalamic-pituitary system

The hypothalamic-pituitary system regulates the secretion of all glands in the body, so a malfunction in its work can have any of the above symptoms. But in addition to this, the pituitary gland produces a hormone responsible for growth. You need to see a doctor if:

The height of the child is significantly lower or higher than that of peers;
Late change of milk teeth;
Children under 4 years old do not grow more than 5 cm, after 4 years - more than 3 cm per year;
In children older than 9 years, there is a sharp jump in the increase in height, a further increase is accompanied by pain in the bones and joints.

With low growth, you need to carefully monitor its dynamics, and visit an endocrinologist if all relatives are above average height. Hormone deficiency at an early age leads to dwarfism, excess - to gigantism.

The work of the endocrine glands is very closely related, and the appearance of pathologies in one leads to the malfunctioning of the other or several. Therefore, it is important to recognize diseases associated with the endocrine system in time, especially in children. Improper functioning of the glands will have an impact on the formation of the body, which can have irreversible consequences if treated belatedly. In the absence of symptoms in children, there is no need to visit an endocrinologist.

Quality prevention

To maintain the health of the endocrine glands, and even better, regularly take preventive measures, first of all, you need to pay attention to your daily diet. The lack of vitamin and mineral components directly affects the well-being and functioning of all body systems.

Importance of iodine

The thyroid gland is the storage center for important element like iodine. Preventive measures include sufficient iodine content in the body. Because in many settlements there is a clear lack of this element, you need to use it as a preventive measure for disruption of the endocrine glands.

For quite a long time, iodine deficiency has been replenished with iodized salt. Today it is successfully added to bread, milk, which helps eliminate iodine deficiency. It can also be special medications with iodine or food supplements. Many products contain large amounts beneficial substance, among them seaweed and various seafood, tomatoes, spinach, kiwi, persimmon, dried fruits. Eating healthy food a little every day, iodine reserves are gradually replenished.

Activity and physical activity

In order for the body to receive a minimum load during the day, you need only 15 minutes to spend in motion. Regular morning exercises will give a person a charge of vivacity and positive emotions. If there is no opportunity to play sports or fitness in the gym, walking from work to home can be arranged. walking on fresh air It will help to strengthen the immune system and prevent many diseases.

Nutrition for disease prevention

Too fatty, spicy foods and pastries have not yet made anyone healthier, so it is worth reducing their consumption to a minimum. All dishes that increase the level of cholesterol in human blood should be excluded for the prevention of diseases of the endocrine and other systems. It is better to cook dishes for a couple or bake, you need to give up smoked and salty dishes, semi-finished products. Is hazardous to health overuse chips, sauces, fast food, sweet carbonated drinks. It is better to replace them with various nuts and berries, for example, gooseberries, which contain essential manganese, cobalt and other elements. For the prevention of many diseases, it is better to add cereals, more fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry to your daily diet. Also, do not forget about the drinking regimen and consume about two liters. clean water, not counting juices and other liquids.

The human endocrine system controls important functions. Even a slight malfunction in its work can lead to serious diseases. With improper production of hormones, absolutely all organs suffer. With untimely therapy, it is possible serious consequences, which is not always possible to eliminate.

Basic concepts, functions

The organs of the endocrine system synthesize hormones, which, getting into the blood, penetrate into all cells of the body, regulate their work. Some glands are organs, but there are also those that are represented by endocrine cells. They form a dispersed system.

The endocrine glands are covered with a capsule, from which trabeculae extend deep into the organ. The capillaries in the glands form extremely dense networks. This is a necessary condition for enriching the blood with hormones.

Levels of organization of the organs of the system:

Lower. It includes peripheral and effector glands.
Higher. The activity of these organs is regulated by tropic hormones of the pituitary gland.
Hypothalamic neurohormones control the release of tropic hormones. They occupy the highest place in the system.

The glands of the endocrine system secrete active substances, they do not have excretory ducts. Subdivided into:

endocrine: adrenal glands, parathyroid gland, thyroid gland, pituitary gland, epiphysis;
mixed: thymus and pancreas, placenta, ovaries, testes, paraganglia.

Ovaries, testicles, placenta regulate sexual function. Special cells located in the wall respiratory tract, genitourinary system, stomach, control the activity of the organ in which they are located. Chromaffin organs are an accumulation of cells that have a genetic connection with the nodes of the autonomic nervous system. Thanks to the hypothalamus, the joint functioning of the endocrine and nervous systems is possible. It also regulates the activity of the endocrine glands.

The functions of the endocrine system are carried out thanks to hormones. They carry out the weakening or stimulation of the cells. That is why the glands, together with the nervous system, carry out humoral regulation, allowing the body to function as an integral system. They also carry out the processes of energy metabolism, control reproductive, mental, emotional activity, development and growth of the body.

Hormones of the endocrine system

Biological substances of increased activity, which carry out local and general regulation of the body's activity - hormones. They work both at a great distance from the place of their synthesis, and at a close one, having a special effect on nearby cells. Most hormones are synthesized as prohormones. Once in the Golgi complex, they become active.

Chemical structure of hormones:

protein;
steroid;
derivatives of amino acids.

Hormones by physiological action:

Tropic (launchers), affect the endocrine glands. These include hormones from the pituitary and hypothalamus.
Artists: Insulin. They act on tissues and cell receptors.

Characteristic features of hormones:

selectivity of action;
a clear direction of action;
no species specificity;
biological activity is extremely high.

Disruption of the endocrine system can be manifested by hyperfunction or hypofunction. The glands are closely related to each other, despite the fact that they have different locations and sources of development. Therefore, the failure of one of them leads to the malfunction of others.

Pathological conditions

Hormones have a significant effect on the body. They control physiological, psycho-emotional and physical parameters.

Diseases of the endocrine system are accompanied by:

improper production of hormones;
failure of their absorption and transportation;
production of an abnormal hormone;
formation of body resistance to active substances.

Any failure in an established system leads to pathologies. Diseases of the endocrine system:

Hypothyroidism. Caused by low hormone levels. A person's metabolic processes slow down, he constantly feels tired.
Diabetes. Formed with a lack of insulin. This causes poor absorption of nutrients. In this case, glucose is not completely broken down, which contributes to the development of hyperglycemia.
Goiter. accompanied by dysplasia. Its development leads to insufficient intake of iodine in the body.
thyrotoxicosis. Caused by overproduction of hormones.
Autoimmune thyroiditis. When the immune system malfunctions, pathological changes in tissues occur. The immune system begins to fight thyroid cells, mistaking them for foreign objects.
Hypoparathyroidism. Accompanied by convulsions and seizures.
Hyperparathyroidism. Some trace elements in this state are poorly absorbed. The disease is caused by increased production of parahormone.
Gigantism. Pathology is characterized by a high synthesis of growth hormone. The disease causes proportional, but excessive growth of the body. When the condition occurs in adulthood, only certain parts of the body undergo growth.

Symptoms of pathologies

Some signs of emerging deviations are attributed to external factors. If the disease is not detected in time, it will progress.

Endocrine system, symptoms of the disease:

constant thirst;
frequent urge to empty the bladder;
constant desire to sleep;
increased excitability;
excessive sweating;
increase in temperature;
liquid stool;
decrease in memorization processes;
headaches due to high blood pressure;
tachycardia, pain in the heart;
a sharp change in body weight;
muscle weakness;
fatigue.

Therapy of pathologies

Treatment of the endocrine system today is the use of hormonal medications. These funds are necessary to eliminate the symptoms. If the pathology requires removal of the thyroid gland, then the drugs will need to be used throughout life.

For preventive purposes, specialists prescribe strengthening and anti-inflammatory drugs. Radioactive iodine is also widely used. Surgical intervention is still the most effective method therapy, however, doctors try to use it only in extreme cases: if the tumor can cause irreparable harm to the endocrine system.

Depending on where the pathology is localized, the specialist selects a diet for the patient. Diet food can only be used if there is no likelihood of developing diabetes. The trial menu consists of products:

fish, meat;
cottage cheese;
dairy products;
Rye bread;
vegetable oil and butter;
vegetables, in addition to legumes and potatoes;
fruits, excluding grapes and bananas.

Such a diet is necessary for overweight people. It is low in calories and low in fat. This contributes to weight loss.

The endocrine system plays a vital role in the body. Maintaining its normal functioning is the primary task of everyone. If a pathology is suspected, it is necessary to seek the advice of specialists. Self-medication is not allowed. It will only lead to the development of the disease.

The endocrine system is a collection of endocrine glands that produce and secrete hormones into the circulation, do not have excretory ducts, and secrete secretions to the corresponding organs. Hormones can act as chemical messengers for a huge number of cells and tissues at the same time, and also regulate almost every metabolic activity of the body.

The endocrine glands are richly vascularized and have a dense network of blood vessels. Cells within these organs contain hormones in intracellular granules or vesicles that fuse with the plasma membrane in response to an appropriate signal and release hormones into the extracellular space.

The endocrine system, along with the nervous system, integrates signals from the internal and external environment. In addition, it produces effector molecules in the form of hormones that can cause the body to respond appropriately to maintain homeostasis. While the central nervous system reacts instantly to stimuli, the endocrine reaction is slow, but differs in the duration of action. For example, the long-term secretion of growth hormone in the body affects the development of bones, which contributes to the growth of the entire body, as well as an increase in the size of each internal organ. As another example, cortisol released during times of stress can affect appetite and metabolic processes in skeletal and smooth muscles for several hours or weeks.

The endocrine system is involved in all processes occurring in the human body. Hormones can influence individual bodies in many ways, starting with the motor activity of the digestive tract and ending with the absorption and processing of glucose and other substances. Some affect the retention of calcium in the bones or the maintenance of muscle contraction. In addition, hormones are involved in the development and formation of adaptive immune and reproductive functions of the body. They affect overall growth and metabolism by changing the way each cell metabolizes and uses essential nutrients. nutrients.

Organs of the endocrine system

The endocrine system includes the pituitary and pineal glands located in the brain, the thyroid and parathyroid glands in the neck, the thymus in the thoracic region, the adrenal glands and pancreas in abdominal cavity and gonads - in the reproductive system.

Starting in the brain, hypothalamus, pituitary and pineal glands participate in the regulation of other endocrine organs and circadian rhythms, changing the metabolic state of the body. The pineal gland is located in the center of the brain, in an area called the epithalamus. The pituitary gland is located very close to the hypothalamus, with which direct contact is established and there are feedback loops for the production of hormones. Together, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland can regulate the work of a number of organs of the endocrine system, primarily the gonads and adrenal glands. In fact, the hypothalamus is the central link that combines two main pathways of regulation - the nervous and endocrine systems. The hypothalamus is made up of groups of neurons nerve cells, collecting information from the whole body and integrating impulses into the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland.

The thyroid and parathyroid glands are located in the neck. The thyroid gland consists of two symmetrical lobes connected by a narrow piece of tissue called the isthmus. Its shape is reminiscent of a butterfly. The length of each lobe is 5 cm, and the isthmus is 1.25 cm. The gland is located on the front surface of the neck behind the thyroid cartilage. Each of its lobe is usually located in front of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are approximately 6x3x1 mm in size and weigh between 30 and 35 grams, and their number varies, as some people may have more than two pairs.

The thymus or thymus gland is a pinkish-gray organ of the endocrine system, located in the sternum between the lungs and consisting of two lobes. The thymus plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system, being responsible for the production and maturation of lymphocytes (T-cells). This organ is unusual in that the peak of its activity falls on childhood. After puberty, the thymus slowly shrinks and is replaced by adipose tissue. Before puberty, the weight of the thymus is approximately 30 grams.

The adrenal glands are located above top kidneys. They are yellowish in color, surrounded by a fatty layer, located under the diaphragm itself and connected with it by connective tissue. The adrenal glands consist of medulla and cortex, having external and internal secretion.

The pancreas is an organ that performs the functions of both the digestive system and the endocrine system. The glandular organ is located close to the C-bend of the duodenum behind the stomach. Consists of cells that perform exocrine functions that produce digestive enzymes, and endocrine cells in the islets of Langerhans that produce insulin and glucagon. Hormones are involved in metabolism and maintain blood glucose levels and thus two different functions of the organ are integrated at a certain level.

Gonads (male and female gonads) perform important functions in the body. They affect the proper development of the reproductive organs during puberty, and also maintain fertility. Organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver function as organs of the endocrine system, secreting the hormone erythropoietin, which affects the production of red blood cells.

Diseases of the endocrine system

Diseases of the endocrine system mainly occur for two reasons: a change in the level of a hormone secreted by the gland, or a change in the sensitivity of receptors in the cells of the body. For these reasons, the body does not respond appropriately to overall homeostasis. The most common disease is diabetes, which interferes with glucose metabolism. Diabetes has a huge impact on a person's quality of life, as adequate glucose levels are not only important for keeping the body functioning, but can also prevent the growth of microorganisms or cancer cells.

Imbalances in reproductive hormones are also significant as they can affect fertility, mood and general state person. Thyroid - important component endocrine system with high and low secretion levels, affecting the body's ability to function optimally. Thyroid hormone production depends on the essential micronutrient, iodine. A deficiency in this element can lead to an enlarged thyroid gland as the body attempts to compensate for low hormone levels.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the level of glucose in the blood is higher than normal. Diabetes is caused by a deficiency of the hormone insulin, which is produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. The development of the disease is associated with insufficient synthesis of insulin or with a decrease in the sensitivity of body cell receptors to it.

Insulin is an anabolic hormone that stimulates the transport of glucose into muscle cells or adipose tissue, where it is stored as glycogen or converted to fat. Insulin inhibits the process of glucose synthesis in cells, interrupting gluconeogenesis and the breakdown of glycogen. Insulin is usually released when jump blood sugar after meals. Insulin secretion protects cells from long-term damaging excess glucose, allowing for the storage and use of nutrients. Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone secreted by alpha cells, unlike insulin, it is released when blood sugar levels drop. How to prevent diabetes

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs due to a lack of thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The composition of these hormones includes iodine, and they are derived from one amino acid - tyrosine. Iodine deficiency is the main cause of hypothyroidism, since the gland cannot synthesize enough of the hormone.

The cause of the development of the disease may be damage to the thyroid gland due to infection or inflammation. The disease also occurs due to a deficiency of the pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland and disturbances in the functioning of hormone receptors.

Hypogonadism is a disease in which there is a decrease in the level of sex hormones. Gonads (testicles and ovaries) secrete hormones that affect the development, maturation and functioning of the genital organs, as well as the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics. Hypogonadism can be primary or secondary. Primary occurs due to the fact that the gonads produce a low level of sex hormones. The reason for the development of secondary hypogonadism may be the insensitivity of organs to signals for the production of hormones coming from the brain. Depending on the period of occurrence, hypogonadism can have various symptoms.

Female genital organs or external genital organs of an intermediate type can form in boys with embryonic hypogonadism. During puberty, the disease affects the establishment of the menstrual cycle, the development mammary glands and ovulation in women, penis growth and testicular enlargement in boys, development of secondary sexual characteristics, changes in body structure. In adulthood, the disease leads to a decrease in sexual desire, infertility, chronic fatigue syndrome, or even loss of muscle and bone mass.

Hypogonadism can be diagnosed by taking a blood test. To treat the disease, long-term hormone replacement therapy will be required.

The endocrine system (endocrinesystem) regulates the activity of the whole organism due to the production of special substances - hormones, which are formed in the endocrine glands. The hormones that enter the bloodstream, together with the nervous system, provide regulation and control of the vital functions of the body, maintaining its internal balance (homeostasis), normal growth and development.

The endocrine system is made up of endocrine glands, a characteristic feature of which is the absence of excretory ducts in them, as a result of which the release of the substances they produce is carried out directly into the blood and lymph. The process of isolating these substances internal environment of the body was called internal, or endocrine (from the Greek words "endos" - inside and "crino" - allocate), secretion.

Humans and animals have two types of glands. Glands of one type - lacrimal, salivary, sweat and others - secrete the secret they produce outward and are called exocrine (from the Greek exo - outside, outside, krino - to secrete). The glands of the second type release the substances synthesized in them into the blood washing them. These glands were called endocrine (from the Greek endon - inside), and the substances released into the blood were called hormones (from the Greek "gormao" - I move, excite), which are biologically active substances. Hormones are able to stimulate or weaken the functions of cells, tissues and organs.

The endocrine system works under the control of the central nervous system and, together with it, regulates and coordinates body functions. Common to nerve and endocrine cells is the development of regulatory factors.

Composition of the endocrine system

The endocrine system is divided into the glandular (glandular apparatus), in which endocrine cells are brought together and form the endocrine gland, and diffuse, which is represented by endocrine cells scattered throughout the body. Almost every tissue in the body contains endocrine cells.

The central link of the endocrine system is the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and pineal gland (pineal gland). Peripheral - thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, pancreas, adrenal glands, sex glands, thymus gland (thymus).

The endocrine glands that make up the endocrine system vary in size and shape and are located in different parts of the body; common to them is the release of hormones. This is what made it possible to separate them into a single system.

Functions of the endocrine system

The endocrine system (endocrine glands) performs the following functions:
- coordinates the work of all organs and systems of the body;
- Responsible for the stability of all vital processes of the body in conditions of changing external environment;
- participates in chemical reactions occurring in the body;
- participates in the regulation of the functioning of the human reproductive system and its sexual differentiation;
- participates in the formation of human emotional reactions and in his mental behavior;
- together with the immune and nervous systems regulates the growth of a person, the development of the body;
- is one of the energy generators in the body.

GLANDULAR ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

This system is represented by the endocrine glands, which carry out the synthesis, accumulation and release into the bloodstream of various biologically active substances. active substances(hormones, neurotransmitters and others). In the glandular system, endocrine cells are concentrated within a single gland. The central nervous system takes part in the regulation of the secretion of hormones of all endocrine glands, and hormones, by a feedback mechanism, affect the function of the central nervous system, modulating its activity and state. Nervous regulation The activity of the peripheral endocrine functions of the body is carried out not only through the tropic hormones of the pituitary gland (pituitary and hypothalamic hormones), but also through the influence of the autonomic (or autonomic) nervous system.

Hypothalamic-Hopophyseal System

The link between the endocrine and nervous systems is the hypothalamus, which is both a nerve formation and an endocrine gland. It receives information from almost all parts of the brain and uses it to control the endocrine system by releasing special chemicals called releasing hormones. The hypothalamus closely interacts with the pituitary gland, forming the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Releasing hormones enter the pituitary gland through the bloodstream, where, under their influence, the formation, accumulation and release of pituitary hormones occur.

The hypothalamus is located directly above the pituitary gland, which is located in the center of the human head and connects to it through a narrow stalk called the funnel, which constantly transmits messages about the state of the system to the pituitary gland. The control function of the hypothalamus is that neurohormones control the pituitary gland and influence the absorption of food and liquid, as well as control weight, body temperature and sleep cycle.

The pituitary gland is one of the main endocrine glands in the human body. In its shape and size, it resembles a pea and is located in a special recess in the sphenoid bone of the brain skull. Its size is not more than 1.5 cm in diameter, and its weight is from 0.4 to 4 grams. The pituitary gland produces hormones that stimulate and control almost all other glands of the endocrine system. It consists, as it were, of several lobes: anterior (yellow), middle (intermediate), posterior (nervous).

epiphysis

Deep below the cerebral hemispheres is the pineal gland (pineal gland), a small reddish-gray gland shaped like a fir cone (hence its name). The pineal gland produces the hormone melatonin. The production of this hormone reaches its peak around midnight. Babies are born with a limited amount of melatonin. With age, the level of this hormone rises, and then slowly begins to decline in old age. The pineal gland and melatonin are believed to make our brains tick. The biological clock. External signals such as temperature and light, as well as various emotions, affect pineal gland. Sleep, mood, immunity, seasonal rhythms, menstruation and even the aging process depend on it.

Thyroid

The gland got its name from the thyroid cartilage and does not at all resemble a shield. This is the largest gland (not counting the pancreas) of the endocrine system. It consists of two lobes connected by an isthmus and resembles a butterfly with unfolded wings. The weight of the thyroid gland in an adult is 25 - 30 grams. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland (thyroxine, triiodothyronine and calcitonin) provide growth, mental and physical development, and regulate the rate of metabolic processes. The thyroid gland needs iodine to make these hormones. Lack of iodine leads to swelling of the thyroid gland and the formation of a goiter.

parathyroid glands

Behind the thyroid gland are rounded bodies, similar to small peas 10–15 mm in size. These are the parathyroid or parathyroid glands. Their number varies from 2 to 12, more often there are 4. The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone, which regulates the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

Pancreas

An important gland of the endocrine system is the pancreas. This is a large (12-30 cm long) secretory organ, located in the upper part of the abdominal cavity, between the spleen and duodenum. The pancreas is both an exocrine and an endocrine gland. It follows that some of the substances secreted by it go out through the channels, while others enter directly into the blood. It contains small collections of cells called pancreatic islets that produce the hormone insulin, which is involved in regulating the body's metabolism. A lack of insulin leads to the development of diabetes mellitus, an excess leads to the development of the so-called hypoglycemic syndrome, which is manifested by a sharp decrease in blood sugar.

adrenal glands

A special place in the endocrine system is occupied by the adrenal glands - paired glands located above the upper poles of the kidneys (hence their name). They consist of two parts - the cortex (80 - 90% of the mass of the entire gland) and the medulla. The adrenal cortex produces about 50 different hormones, of which 8 have a pronounced biological effect; the common name for its hormones is corticosteroids. The medulla produces the most important hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine. They affect the state of blood vessels, and norepinephrine constricts the vessels of all departments, with the exception of the brain, and adrenaline constricts some of the vessels, and some expands. Adrenaline increases and speeds up heart contractions, and norepinephrine, on the contrary, can lower them.

Gonads

The sex glands are represented in men by the testicles, and in women by the ovaries.
The testicles produce sperm and testosterone.
The ovaries produce estrogens and a number of other hormones that provide normal development female genital organs and secondary sexual characteristics, determine the cyclical nature of menstruation, the normal course of pregnancy, etc.

thymus

The thymus or thymus gland is located behind the sternum and just below the thyroid gland. Relatively large in childhood, the thymus decreases in adulthood. She has great value in maintaining immune status human, producing T-cells, which are the basis of the immune system and thymopoietins, which contribute to the maturation and functional activity of immune cells throughout the entire period of their existence.

DIFUSE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

In a diffuse endocrine system, endocrine cells are not concentrated, but scattered. Some endocrine functions are performed by the liver (secretion of somatomedin, insulin-like growth factors, etc.), kidneys (secretion of erythropoietin, medullins, etc.), and spleen (secretion of splenins). More than 30 hormones that are secreted into the bloodstream by cells or clusters of cells located in tissues have been isolated and described. gastrointestinal tract. Endocrine cells are found throughout the human body.

Diseases and treatment

Usually, the treatment of diseases of the endocrine system requires integrated approach. Therapeutic effect therapy is enhanced by the combination of scientific methods of treatment with the use of folk recipes and other traditional medicine containing in the recommendations the useful grains of many years of folk experience in home treatment of a person, including those suffering from diseases of the endocrine system.

Recipe number 1. Universal remedy normalization of the functions of all glands of the endocrine system is a plant - lungwort. For treatment, grass, leaves, flowers, root are used. Young leaves and shoots are eaten - salads, soups, mashed potatoes are prepared from them. Young, peeled stems and flower petals are often eaten. How to use: one tablespoon of dry lungwort herb is poured with one glass of boiling water, boiled for 3 minutes, cooled and taken four times a day 30 minutes before meals. Drink in slow sips. Honey can be added morning and evening.
Recipe number 2. Another plant that treats hormonal disorders of the endocrine system is horsetail. It promotes the production of female hormones. How to use: Brew and drink like tea 15 minutes after eating. In addition, field horsetail can be mixed in a ratio of 1: 1 with the rhizome of calamus. This healing decoction cures many female diseases.
Recipe number 3. To prevent disorders of the endocrine system in women, leading to excessive hairiness of the body and face, you need to introduce into the diet as often as possible (at least 2 times a week) a dish such as an omelette with champignons. The main components of this dish have the ability to draw in, absorb excess male hormones. When preparing an omelette, natural sunflower oil should be used.
Recipe #4. One of the most common problems in older men is benign hypertrophy. prostate. The production of testosterone decreases with age, and some other hormones increase. end result is to increase dihydrotestosterone, a powerful male hormone that causes prostate enlargement. An enlarged prostate presses on urinary tract which causes frequent urination, sleep disturbance and fatigue. Very effective in treatment natural remedies. First, it is necessary to completely eliminate the use of coffee and drink more water. Then increase the doses of zinc, vitamin B6 and fatty acids(sunflower, olive oil). Palmetto extract is also a good remedy. It can be easily found in online stores.
Recipe number 5. Treatment of diabetes. Finely chop six onions, fill them with raw cold water, close the lid, let it brew overnight, strain and drink the liquid little by little during the day. So do every day for a week, adhering to a normal diet. Then 5 days break. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated until recovery.
Recipe number 6. The main component of the field cloves are its alkaloids, which cure many diseases and include the entire immune system, and especially the thymus (small sun). This plant improves the hormonal system, bringing the ratio of hormones to normal, treats excessive hair growth in women, baldness in men. Serves as the best blood purifier. Method of application: the plant in dry form should be brewed like tea (1 tablespoon per glass of water) and infused for 10 minutes. Drink after meals for 15 days in a row, then 15 days off. It is not recommended to use more than 5 cycles, as the body may become addictive. Drink 4 times a day without sugar instead of tea.
Recipe number 7. The work of the adrenal glands and the endocrine system can be adjusted with the help of smell. In addition, the smell eliminates violations in the field of gynecology and other serious functional diseases of women. This healing smell is the smell of the sweat glands of men in the armpits. To do this, a woman must inhale the smell of sweat 4 times a day for 10 minutes, burying her nose in the right armpit of a man. This smell of sweat under the arm should preferably belong to a beloved and desired man.

These recipes are for reference only. Before use, you should consult with your doctor.

Prevention

In order to minimize and minimize the risks associated with diseases of the endocrine system, it is necessary to follow a healthy lifestyle. Factors that adversely affect the state of the endocrine glands:
Lack of physical activity. This is fraught with circulatory disorders.
Wrong nutrition. Junk food with synthetic preservatives, trans fats, dangerous food additives. Deficiency of basic vitamins and minerals.
Harmful drinks. Tonic drinks containing a lot of caffeine and toxic substances have a very negative effect on the adrenal glands, deplete the central nervous system, shorten its life
Bad habits. Alcohol, active or second hand smoke, drug addiction leads to a serious toxic load, depletion of the body and intoxication.
A state of chronic stress. These situations are very sensitive. endocrine organs.
Bad ecology. The body is negatively affected by internal toxins and exotoxins - external damaging substances.
Medicines. Children overfed with antibiotics in childhood have problems with the thyroid gland, hormonal imbalances.

Endocrine system- a system that regulates the activity of all organs with the help of which are secreted by endocrine cells in circulatory system, or penetrating into neighboring cells through intercellular space. In addition to the regulation of activities this system provides adaptation of the body to the changing parameters of the internal and external environment, which ensures the constancy of the internal system, and this is extremely necessary to ensure the normal functioning of a particular person. There is a widespread belief that the work of the endocrine system is closely related to.

The endocrine system can be glandular, in which endocrine cells are found together, which forms endocrine glands. These glands produce hormones, which include all steroids, thyroid hormones, many peptide hormones . The endocrine system can also diffuse, it is represented by cells that produce hormones distributed throughout the body. They are called aglandular. Such cells are found in almost any tissue of the endocrine system.

Functions of the endocrine system:

Ensuring the body in a changing environment;
Coordination of activity of all systems;
Participation in the chemical (humoral) regulation of the body;
Together with the nervous and immune systems, it regulates the development of the body, its growth, reproductive function, sexual differentiation
Takes part in the processes of use, formation and conservation of energy;
Together with the nervous system, hormones provide mental condition human, emotional reactions.

Granular endocrine system

The human endocrine system is represented by glands that accumulate, synthesize and release various active substances into the bloodstream: neurotransmitters, hormones etc. The classic glands of this type include the ovaries, testicles, adrenal medulla and cortex, parathyroid gland, pituitary gland, epiphysis, they belong to the grandular endocrine system. Thus, the cells of this type of system are collected in one gland. The central nervous system takes an active part in the normalization of the secretion of hormones of all the above glands, and by the feedback mechanism, hormones affect the function of the central nervous system, ensuring its condition and activity. The regulation of the work of the endocrine functions of the body is ensured not only through the action of hormones, but also through the influence of the autonomic, or autonomous, nervous system. Secretion of biologically active substances occurs in the central nervous system, many of which are also formed in the endocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract.

Endocrine glands, or endocrine glands, are organs that produce specific substances, and also secrete them into or. Such specific substances are chemical regulators - hormones, which are essential for the normal functioning of the body. Endocrine glands can be represented both as independent organs and as tissues. The endocrine glands include the following:

hypothalamic-pituitary system

And they contain secretory cells, while the hypolamus is an important regulatory organ of this system. It is in it that biologically active and hypothalamic substances are produced that enhance or inhibit the excretory function of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, in turn, controls most of the endocrine glands. The pituitary gland is a small gland whose weight is less than 1 gram. It is located at the base of the skull, in a recess.

Thyroid

The thyroid gland is a gland of the endocrine system that produces hormones containing iodine and also stores iodine. Thyroid hormones are involved in the growth of individual cells, regulate metabolism. The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck, it consists of an isthmus and two lobes, the weight of the gland ranges from 20 to 30 grams.

parathyroid glands

This gland is responsible for regulating the concentration of calcium in the body to a limited extent, so that the motor and nervous systems work properly. When the level of calcium in the blood falls, parathyroid receptors that are sensitive to calcium begin to become activated and secreted into the blood. Thus, parathyroid hormone stimulates osteoclasts, which release calcium into the blood from bone tissue.

adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are located at the upper poles of the kidneys. They consist of an inner medulla and an outer cortical layer. Both parts of the adrenal glands are characterized by different hormonal activity. The adrenal cortex produces glycocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, which have a steroid structure. The first type of these hormones stimulates the synthesis of carbohydrates and the breakdown of proteins, the second one maintains the electrolytic balance in cells and regulates ion exchange. The adrenal medulla produces, which maintains the tone of the nervous system. Also, the cortical substance in small quantities produces male sex hormones. In cases where there are disturbances in the body, male hormones enter the body in excessive quantities, and girls begin to intensify male characteristics. But the medulla and the adrenal cortex are different not only based on the hormones produced, but also by the regulatory system - the medulla is activated by the peripheral nervous system, and the work of the cortex is central.

Pancreas

The pancreas is a large organ of the endocrine system with a dual action: it simultaneously secretes hormones and pancreatic juice.

epiphysis

The pineal gland is an organ that secretes hormones norepinephrine and . Melatonin controls sleep phases, norepinephrine affects the nervous system and blood circulation. However, the function of the epiphysis has not been fully elucidated.

Gonads

Gonads are sex glands, without which sexual activity and maturation of the human reproductive system would be impossible. These include the female ovaries and male testicles. The production of sex hormones in childhood occurs in small quantities, which gradually increases in the course of growing up. In a certain period, male or female sex hormones, depending on the sex of the child, lead to the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.

Diffuse endocrine system

This type of endocrine system is characterized by a scattered arrangement of endocrine cells.

Some endocrine functions are performed by the spleen, intestines, stomach, kidneys, liver, in addition, such cells are found throughout the body.

To date, more than 30 hormones have been identified that are secreted into the blood by clusters of cells and cells that are located in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract. Among these, one can single out,, and many others.

The regulation of the endocrine system occurs as follows:

Interaction usually takes place using feedback principle: when any hormone acts on the target cell, affecting the source of hormone secretion, their response causes suppression of secretion. Positive feedback, when there is an increase in secretion, is very rare.

The immune system is regulated by the immune and nervous systems.

Endocrine control looks like a chain of regulatory effects, the result of the action of hormones in which indirectly or directly affects the element that determines the content of the hormone.

Endocrine diseases

Endocrine diseases are a class of diseases arising from disorders of one or more of the endocrine glands. This group of diseases is based on dysfunction of the endocrine glands, hypofunction, hyperfunction. Apudoms- These are tumors that come from cells that produce polypeptide hormones. These diseases include gastrinoma, VIPoma, glucagonoma, somatostatinoma.

The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood among other things.

Functions

The endocrine system consists of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries (in women) and testicles (in men).

The word endocrine comes from the Greek words endo, meaning inside, and crinis, meaning to secrete. In general, glands secrete and remove materials from the blood, process them, and release a finished chemical product for use in the body. The endocrine system affects almost every organ and cell in the body.

Although hormones circulate throughout the body, each type of hormone targets specific organs and tissues. The endocrine system receives some help from organs such as the kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs, which have secondary endocrine functions. For example, the kidneys secrete hormones such as erythropoietin and renin.

The thyroid gland also secretes a number of hormones that affect the entire body. Thyroid hormones affect many vital bodily functions, including heart rate, skin maintenance, growth, temperature regulation, fertility, and digestion.

Thus, the thyroid gland is the master of the body, the center of metabolic control. The brain, heart and kidneys, as well as body temperature, growth and strength of muscle tissue - and much more - are dependent on the function of the thyroid gland.

Diseases of the endocrine system

Hormone levels that are too high or too low indicate problems with the endocrine system. Hormonal diseases also occur if your body does not respond to hormones in the appropriate way. Stress, infections, and changes in blood and fluid balance can also affect hormone levels.

The most common endocrine disease is diabetes mellitus, a condition in which the body cannot properly process glucose, a simple sugar. This is due to the lack of insulin or if the body does not produce insulin.

Diabetes can be related to obesity, diet, and family history.

Diabetes is treated with insulin pills or injections. Management of other endocrine disorders usually involves stabilizing hormone levels with medication. The treatment of endocrine disorders takes a very careful and individual approach, as adjusting the level of one hormone can affect the balance of other hormones.

Hormone imbalances can have a significant impact on reproductive system, especially in women.

Another disease, hypothyroidism, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone to meet the body's needs. Lack of thyroid hormone can cause many dysfunctions in the body.

Hypoglycemia, also called low blood glucose or low blood sugar, occurs when blood glucose levels fall below normal levels. This usually happens as a result of diabetes treatment when taking too much insulin. The condition can occur in people who do not have diabetes, but this phenomenon is quite rare.

Facts in the study of the endocrine system

200 BC BC: The Chinese begin to isolate pituitary hormones from human urine and use them for medicinal purposes.
1025: In medieval Persia, the writer Avicenna (980-1037) gives a detailed account of diabetes in The Canon of Medicine (circa 1025), describing an abnormal appetite and a collapse of the sexual functions.

1835: Irish physician Robert James Graves describes a case of goiter with bulging eyes(exophthalmos). The condition Graves' thyroid disease was later named after Dr.

1902: William Bayliss and Ernest Starling conduct an experiment in which they note that acid grafted into duodenum(part of the small intestine) causes the pancreas to start secreting even after they have removed all the nerve connections between the two organs.

1889: Joseph von Mehring and Oskar Minkowski note that surgical removal pancreas leads to an increase in blood sugar, followed by coma and possible death.
1921: Otto Loewy discovers neurohormones in 1921 by incubating a frog's heart in a salt bath.

1922: Leonard Thompson, at age 14, is the first person with diabetes to take insulin. Mass production of insulin soon begins.