Endocrine System Flashcards
Define endocrine system
System of ductless glands that secrete different types of hormones that are carried into the blood stream, either directly by the veins or indirectly through lymphatics, to control bodily metabolic activity
What are the glands in endocrine system?
Pituitary gland
Thyroid gland
Parathyroid gland
Adrenal gland
Pancrease
Ovary
Testis
What is pituitary gland?
Major endocrine gland
Pea-sized body attached to the base of the brain by a stalk that connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus superiorly
What does pituitary gland produce?
Hormones that control other glands and many body functions including growth
What does pituitary gland consist of?
Two lobes: anterior and posterior
What is thyroid gland consists of?
Right and left lobes that are connected by an isthmus
Where does thyroid gland lie?
In the neck region, with isthmus anterior to the lower larynx and upper trachea, and the lobes on either side
What does thyroid gland secrete?
Thyroxin
What is the blood supply of thyroid gland?
Arterial → superior and inferior thyroid arteries
Venous drainage → superior, middle and inferior thyroid veins
What are parathyroid glands?
They are 4 small glands embedded on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland
They are 2 superior and 2 inferior glands
What does parathyroid gland secrete?
Parathormone → calcium balance
What is the blood supply of parathyroid gland?
As the thyroid gland
What is adrenal / suprarenal gland?
Paired glands that lie superior to the kidneys
What is the shape of the adrenal / suprarenal glands?
Right one → triangular
Left one → semilunar
Each suprarenal gland is formed of what?
An outer cortex and inner medulla
