11. Disorders of the Endocrine System 11.1 Disorders of Pituitary Gland Pituitary Dwarfism Gigantism Acromegaly Diabetes Insipidus Simmond’s Disease Pituitary Dwarfism Pituitary dwarfism, or growth hormone deficiency, is a condition in which the pituitary gland does...
Structure and Functions of Thymus
10. Structure and Functions of Thymus The thymus, which lies in the mediastinum posterior to the sternum and between the lungs, is relatively large in young children but shrinks with age. This gland secretes a group of hormones called thymosins that affect the...
Structure and Functions of Pineal Gland
9. Structure and Functions of Pineal Gland The pineal gland is a small structure located deep between the cerebral hemispheres, where it attaches to the upper portion of the thalamus near the roof of the third ventricle. The pineal gland secretes the hormone melatonin...
Structure and Functions of Pancreas
8. Structure and Functions of Pancreas The pancreas, located close to the stomach in the abdominal cavity, is a mixed gland. Probably the best-hidden endocrine glands in the body are the pancreatic islets, also called the islets of Langerhans. These little masses of...
Structure and Functions of Adrenal Gland
7. Structure and Functions of Adrenal Gland The adrenal glands are two small glands located superior to each kidney. Each adrenal gland has an inner part, called the adrenal medulla (marrow, or middle), and an outer part, called the adrenal cortex (bark, or outer)....
Structure and Functions of Parathyroid Gland
6. Structure and Functions of Parathyroid Gland The parathyroid glands are on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. Usually, there are four parathyroid glands—a superior and an inferior gland associated with each of the thyroid’s lateral lobes. 6.1 Structure of...
Structure and Functions of Thyroid Gland
5. Structure and Functions of Thyroid Gland 5.1 Structure The thyroid gland is located at the base of the throat. It resembles a butterfly in shape. It is a large gland consisting of two lobes joined by a central mass, or isthmus. The thyroid gland is one of the...
Structure and Functions of Pituitary Gland
4. Structure and Functions of Pituitary Gland 4.1 Structure The pituitary gland is also called the hypophysis. The pituitary gland is approximately the size of a pea. It hangs by a stalk from the inferior surface of the hypothalamus of the brain called infundibulum....
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM (Introduction and classification)
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM 1. Introduction Hormones are chemical substances that are secreted by endocrine cells into the extracellular fluids and regulate the metabolic activity of other cells in the body. 2. Classification of Hormones 3. Mechanism of Hormone Action Although...
Disorders of the Sense Organs
7. Disorders of the Sense Organs DISEASES AND DISORDERS: Eye CONDITION DESCRIPTION Conjunctivitis Inflammation of conjunctiva, usually from bacterial infection; one form, pinkeye, occurs primarily in children Trachoma Type of conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia;...