Anatomy of

Endocrine System
By:
By:
Ns.
Ns. Dally
Dally Rahman,
Rahman, M.Kep,
M.Kep, Sp.Kep.MB
Sp.Kep.MB
 Endocrine System
Like nervous system, endocrine system
provides communication and control.
Messages are relayed from one cell to another
via chemical messengers (hormones).
Unlike nervous system which provides instant
but short-lived communication, endocrine
system allows for slower-acting but long-term
communication.
Many similarities also exist:
Both systems rely on release of chemicals with
specific binding onto target receptors.
Both systems use many of the same chemicals (ex:
epinephrine and norepinephrine).
Control set up via negative feedback systems.
End goal of both systems is the same: homeostasis.
Comparison of the Nervous
and Endocrine Systems
Nervous System Endocrine System

Communicates by means of hormones

Communicates by means of electrical
impulses and neurotransmitters Releases hormones into bloodstream for
general distribution throughout body
Releases neurotransmitters at synapses at
specific target cells Sometimes has very general, widespread
effects
Usually has relatively local, specific effects
Reacts more slowly to stimuli, often taking
Reacts quickly to stimuli, usually within 1 to
seconds to days
10 msec
May continue responding long after stimulus
Stops quickly when stimulus stops
stops
Adapts relatively quickly to continual
Adapts relatively slowly; may continue
stimulation
responding for days to weeks of stimulation
Endocrine Organs
1. Hypothalamus
2. Pituitary gland
3. Thyroid gland
4. Parathyroid glands
5. Thymus
6. Adrenal glands
7. Pancreas
8. Ovaries
9. Testes
Hypothalamus
Cont
Hypothalamus Coordinates Drive-Related
Behaviors
Behaviors follow the principal of
homeostasis
Drive refers to drive to correct
homeostatic imbalance
Hunger/satiety
Thirst
Sexual behavior
Temperature regulation
Sleep
Hypothalamus is also the integrative link
between the external and internal
Pituitary Glands
Cont
Cont
Also called the hypophysis.
Located in sella turcica within sphenoid
bone.
All pituitary hormones bind to membrane
receptors on target cells and use cAMP as
a second messenger.
Infundibulum connects pituitary gland to
hypothalamus.
Contains distinct anterior and posterior
regions.
Thyroid
Thyroid Glands
Glands
Cont
Located below the anterior portion of the
larynx. Red in color due to high degree of
vascularity.
Thyroid follicles are spheroid-shaped
structures that are present throughout
thyroid.
Cavity within each follicle is filled with
colloidal fluid (fluid suspended with
proteins).
Thyroid hormones are stored within these
follicles.
Upon stimulation, epithelial cells on
surface move hormones from inside to
Parathyroid Glands
Cont
Two pairs of parathyroid glands are
embedded on posterior surfaces of the
thyroid gland.
Two different cell populations found in
parathyroid gland. Chief cells produce
parathyroid hormone.
These monitor calcium levels also and
release parathyroid hormone (PTH) when
calcium levels fall.
PTH stimualtes osteoclasts, reduces urinary
elimination of calcium, promotes
reabsorption of calcium by intestine.
Function of other group of cells is still
Thymus
Cont
Specialized secretory gland located in
thoracic cavity, just behind the sternum.
Increase in size as child grows; decreases
after puberty.
Responsible for producing various
hormones (thymosins) that are important
in maintaining immunologic defenses.
Adrenal Glands
Cont
Sits like a cap on the superior pole of
each kidney
In adults, the adrenal is about 5 cm (2
in.) long, 3 cm (1.2 in.)
The adrenal medulla
The adrenal cortex
Pancreas
Cont
Pancreas is located retroperitoneally,
inferior and dorsal to the stomach
It is approximately 15 cm long and 2.5
cm thick
Insulin is secreted by the beta ( ) cells
of the islets when we digest a meal and
the level of glucose and amino acids in
the blood rises.
Glucagon is secreted by alpha () cells
when blood glucose concentration falls
between meals.
Somatostatin is secreted by the delta
() cells when blood glucose and amino
Ovaries
Testes
Cont
Thank You