Introduction to Endocrine Glands

Question 1

Components of the endocrine gland system of the body

Answer 1

1. Pituitary gland (and hypothalamus)
2. Thyroid gland
3. Parathyroid glands
4. Adrenal glands
5. Pineal gland
6. Pancreatic islets

Question 2

Endocrine glands - definition

Answer 2

1. Internal secreting = endocrine
2. Ductless glands
   3 Secrete directly into ECF (interstitial fluid, blood or lymph)
3. Products usually called hormones (or factors)
4. Hormones act on target organs

Question 3

Endocrine glands - definition

Answer 3

1. Work with nervous system to coordinate activities of various tissues (influenced directly by nervous system)
2. Ex: Hypothalamus –> pituitary –> adrenal cortex

Question 4

Endocrine glands of the body can all together be called what system because of their close functional relationship with the nervous system?

Answer 4

Neuroendocrine system

Question 5

Endocrine Glands - general structure

Answer 5

1. Parenchymal cells predominate (epithelial derived)
2. Sparse stroma of reticular fibers
3. Extensive blood supply + lymph drainage

Question 6

Thymus produces….

Answer 6

1. Thymosin + thymopoietin - glycoproteins that influence T cell deveopment within the thymus and enhance T cell function when T cells enter secondary lymphatic organs

Question 7

Kidney produces….

Answer 7

1. Erythropoietin - stimulates conversion of precursors to RBC line
2. Renin - catalyzes angiotensinin –> angiotensin I

Question 8

GI tract produces…

Answer 8

gastrin, CCK, etc

Question 9

Ovary produces

Answer 9

Estrogen and porgesterone, necessary for normal productive behavior

Question 10

Testis produce

Answer 10

Testosterone - responsible for all male sexual characteristics

Question 11

Heart produces ….

Answer 11

atrial natriuretic factor - allows sodium loss via kidney