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Endocrine glands
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Lecture notes of 3 pages for the course 2º Curso Histología at UAX (Endocrine glands)
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Endocrine glandsEndocrine glands are specialized structures that secrete hormones directly into the
bloodstream. These hormones are transported to target cells and tissues throughout the body,
where they bind to specific receptors and elicit a physiological response.
There are several major endocrine glands in the body, including:
Pituitary gland: The pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" because it controls the
secretion of hormones by other glands. It is located at the base of the brain and consists of two
main parts: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary secretes
hormones that regulate growth, lactation, thyroid function, adrenal function, and reproductive
function, among other things. The posterior pituitary secretes two hormones: oxytocin, which
stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during lactation, and
vasopressin (also called antidiuretic hormone), which regulates water balance in the body.
Thyroid gland: The thyroid gland is located in the neck and produces hormones that regulate
metabolism, growth, and development. The two main hormones produced by the thyroid
gland are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a critical role in
maintaining the body's metabolic rate, body temperature, and energy balance.
Parathyroid glands: The parathyroid glands are four small glands located on the back of the
thyroid gland. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium and
phosphorus levels in the blood. PTH increases calcium levels in the blood by stimulating the
release of calcium from bones, increasing calcium absorption in the intestines, and decreasing
calcium excretion by the kidneys.
Adrenal glands: The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney and are composed of
two parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex produces hormones
called corticosteroids, which regulate salt and water balance, blood pressure, and
inflammation. The three main types of corticosteroids are glucocorticoids (such as cortisol),
mineralocorticoids (such as aldosterone), and androgens (such as testosterone). The adrenal
medulla produces two hormones: epinephrine (also called adrenaline) and norepinephrine,
which play a role in the "fight or flight" response to stress.
Pancreas: The pancreas is both an endocrine and exocrine gland. The endocrine portion of the
pancreas is made up of clusters of cells called islets of Langerhans, which produce hormones
that regulate blood sugar levels. The two main hormones produced by the pancreas are insulin
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