The Endocrine System and the Role of Its Hormones - Assignment Example

RUNNING HEAD: The Endocrine System The Endocrine System and the Role of Its Hormones Tutor: College: Course: Date 1b) Anatomic position of the endocrine gland and hormones produced: Name of the endocrine organ Anatomical position and its main functions Hypothalamus gland This gland is found at the central part of the brain. It is inferior to the thalamus but to the brain stem; its position is anterior. It serves various functions in the nervous system and also is responsible for the immediate response of the endocrine gland through the pituitary gland. It actually puts the pituitary gland into action. The gland has some neurosecretory cells that secrete hormones that carry out various functions. (Snyder, S 1985,). Most of these hormones are mainly releasing hormones that are secreted directly into the hypophyseal portal system and then carried to the pituitary gland. The releasing and inhibiting hormones alter the functioning of the anterior pituitary gland. Thyrotropsin releasing hormone (TRH), stimulates the release of the thyroid stimulating hormone. The growth hormone is prompted to be released by GHRH hormone, and its inhibited by (GHIH).CRH and the GnRH hormones release the adrenocorticotropic and luteinizing hormones. Finally, the Oxytocin and antidiuretic hormones, once they are released, they stored by the pituitary gland and released later if required by the body. The hypothalamus is also responsible for the release of the somatosin hormone that initiates and inhibits the release of the growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Pituitary gland Also known as the hypophysis gland, it’s joined to the inferior part of the hypothalamus of the brain. It’s a very tiny gland found inside the depression (sella turcica) of the sphenoid bone. The pituitary gland has both the posterior lobe and the anterior lobe, and these two produce different hormones (Snyder, S 1985). The later, produces; The growth hormone which helps in the development of the bone and tissues in the body. The Thyroid-Stimulating hormone (TSH) is also produced by the anterior lobe. It produces the thyroid hormone which stimulates the thyroid gland. Adrenocorticotropinhormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex, which is the outermost layer of the adrenal gland to produce various steroid hormones. Luteinizing hormone and follicle-Stimulating Hormone (LH&FSH), are responsible stimulation of the gonads to sex hormones (oestrogen and testosterone), and also release the gametes (ova and sperms) respectively. Prolactin hormone helps to stimulate the breasts to produce milk. The posterior pituitary lobe produces two hormones that are not directly regulated by the hypothalamus (Snyder, S 1985,); Vasopressin (Ant diuretic hormone); its responsible in regulating the water loss in the body by the kidney. Oxytocin: Most essential during delivery, since it triggers the contraction of the uterus and after that enhances milk production. Pineal gland This is a cone shaped glandular tissue that is found just in front of the thalamus. Its function is to produce the melatonin hormone which regulates the circadian rhythm. This is the human wake and sleep pattern. This hormone is a derivative of the serotonin. Thyroid gland This is one of the larger glands within the endocrine gland at is situated in the lower front part of the neck. It has a butterfly shape and is just below the thyroid cartridge which is commonly known as the Adam’s Apple. It produces the thyroid hormones which three main hormones; (T3)-Triiodothyronine and the (T4)-Throxine hormones, are produced by utilizing iodine and tyrosine. The two hormones help in the regulation of metabolic processes and the growth rate (Rubenstein, E 1980). Calcitonic hormone is responsible for Calcium Homeostasis. This hormone is responsible in the maintenance of normal blood pressure and heart rate. Parathyroid gland It is a tiny endocrine gland in the neck that produces the parathyroid hormone. This hormone controls the amount of calcium in the blood within the bones. Adrenal glands It’s a pair of triangular glands found just superior to the kidney. Also known as the suprarenal glands. It has the outer adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. These glands affect the functioning of the kidney by releasing the aldosterone hormone which regulates the plasma osmolarity. Pan crease gland It is located in the abdominal lining of the stomach. This gland contains both the exocrine and endocrine tissues and for that reason it is referred to as the heterocrine gland. The Endocrine cells are very few and are found in the islets of Langerhans (Snyder, S 1985,); in the islet, the alpha and beta cells are located there. Alpha cells are responsible for the production of glucagon hormone and the Beta cells produce hormone insulin. Generally both cells, help in the regulation of the blood glucose levels. Thymus gland It is found in the posterior of the chest next to the sternum. It has a triangular shape and it produces the thymosin hormones that help in foetal development. This is because it develops the lymphocytes that are necessary for foetal formation. They also protect the body against the attack of pathogens. During puberty, the thymus becomes inactive and is replaced by the adipose tissue. Q.2.1: Hormone: Hormones are considered to be very essential for every activity in our lives. They are chemical substances,usually peptides or steroids. They are produced by particular tissues in the body to control and regulate the functioning of bodily processes (Kim & Choi 2006). They are usually active in very many physical processes. For instance, the growth hormone in human beings is secreted by the pituitary gland. This hormone enhances the release of the somatomedins that promotes growth. Exocrine gland:The exocrine glands are also referred to as the excretion glands…They produce various secretions and force them out through cavities and ducts, until they reach the surface of the skin. Forinstance, the oil gland found in the inner layer of the skin is an exocrine gland. It secrets sebum and releases it through the skin pores. The sebum acts as a water-repellent to the body and also bars micro-organisms from penetrating the skin. Endocrine gland: Unlike the Exocrine gland that has a duct, the endocrine gland is ductless. This gland releases hormones into the bloodstream directly or to the lymph nodes. This eventually affects the metabolic processes of the body. A good example is the thyroid gland that secretes the throxine hormone. This hormone will utilize the iodine and then assimilated into the bloodstream in turn regulate the metabolic processes in the body. It’s also responsible in stimulating growth ((Kim &, Lee, 2005).). Hormones are very strong chemical molecules and when they are released into the bloodstream, they synthesis or alter some biological function. These hormones fall into two categories, the lipophilic (steroids) and the hydrophilic (peptides).Basically, the peptide hormone, binds on the cell surface and this way they effectively induce a cascading effect. The steroids,on the other handwill bind from inside the cell, take a journey to the nucleus and make some major effects. The steroid hormone is not polar therefore it can cross the membrane, for instance, the testosterone. Peptides, unlike the steroids, polar molecules insulin is a good example of a peptide molecule. All proteins (Peptides) are usually synthesized in the cell by utilizing the amino acids stored. In the cell nucleus, the RNA template that is born of the DNA template helps to process the Peptide. The peptides are also water soluble, and this why they are totally dependent on the receptor molecules found on the layer of the cell. This reaction causes the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), to be produced from the adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which are found in the cells. The structure of the peptide is as shown below: Structure of the Peptide (Jump & Zhang 2004) Living organisms have several steroids. Each steroid has seventeen carbon atoms that are arranged in four rings. Some examples of the steroids found in the body are as shown below; Structure of some steroid (Finney & Tessa 2008) Steroids are will act as hormones by causing some chemical changes since they are lipid in nature. They are very necessary for the normal functioning of physiological body processes. Sometimes anabolic steroid hormones can sometimes occur, and they can alter the body’s normal functioning leading to serious health problems. They are linked to causing baldness, cardiovascular diseases as well as different types of cancer. Similarly, someinvestigators (Finney & Tessa 2008), proved that Steroids, hormones responsible for the control and of the sexual organs for both genders. They are also necessary if the body is to have ahealthy, smooth functioning of physiological processes. Q2C: Distinctions between the actions of Neurones and Hormones Neurons are the cells that are found within the human body to pass signals from one organ to another while on the other hand, the hormones are the chemicals that will be used in the transmission of these signals. The Neuron just like a phone has a hard wire and it operates from one place to place. The chemical messengers do not move around but they circulate in the blood just like a postal system. Just like a circular passed in the mail, those who feel interested will act on it effectively but those not affected always discard it. Similarly, the hormones act on a particular target organ and all the other cells that are not involved, remain unaffected. Both the neurons and the hormones must work together to form a complete control system of the wholebody. The neurons are very prompt and provide a very fast target system which acts on specific glands and muscles in the body. On the other hand, the hormones are a little slower in administering their function, but they have a very powerful and long lasting effect. This is because they are spread throughout the body, creating very powerful and diverse responses. Q.4 (a); circumstances in which the hormones of Adrenal Medulla and Adrenal Cortex are produced; On the posterior part of the kidney, is where the Adrenal glands are located. They can also be collectively termed as the suprarenal glands (Kim &, Lee, 2005).One is triangular in shape and is found on the right side and the other is semi lunar in shape, found on the left side. Majorly, they are both involved in the release of the stress hormones. Each adrenal gland is divided into two layers that perform specific functions. The first layer is the Adrenal Cortex which secretes hormones known as corticosteroids. The second layer is the Adrenal medulla. It produces hormones known as the catecholamine. The adrenal cortex has three layers anatomically that have different secretions performing different functions. These are the Zonaglomerulosa that release the aldosterone, Zona fasciculate which secretes the glucocorticoids and the Zonareticularis which produces the androgens. These three cortical hormones perform different functions; Glucocorticoids; this hormone is used to breakdown the lipids and proteins in order to produce glucose. In addition, it improves the immune system and prevents its inflammation. The Mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone); these are a family of hormones that work together to actually regulate mineral ions concentrations in the body. Androgens; these hormones are produced in very low levels in the adrenal cortex. An example is the Testosterones hormone, which regulates all cells that will be receptive to hormones of the male (Ebey,S 2009). In adults’ male sexes, the Androgen levels are very high compared to younger men. They are proved to be more than the amount secreted by the adrenal cortex. This condition leads to the appearance of the secondary sex characteristics. On the other hand, the other layer is known as the Adrenal medulla which produces the epinephrine and norepinephrine hormones. This happens under the influence of the sympathetic section which is found in the nervous system. When these hormones work together, they increase the flow of blood to the brain in an attempt to deal with stress. This Rapid flow of blood is also proved to be a lead factor in causing high blood pressure and high heart and breathing rate. Q.4 (b); how the Adrenal gland regulates the blood pressure and volume (Homeostasis). The Adrenal glands, usually affect the functioning of the kidney thought the secretion of the aldosterone hormone. According to Snyder, S (1985), the hormone is involved in the regulation of the plasma osmolarity.Sometimes the blood sugar levels could either be very high or too low. In such cases, the biological control system applies the negative feedback. This results in the regulation of the hormone release. This type of feedback identifies if the levels have accelerated or decelerated, and then results to give a response that aims at returning it to the normal blood-sugar levels. For instance, when one has ingested a very toxic sugary drink, the pancreases will immediately trigger the release of the hormone insulin. This gives the response of bringing down the level of glucose in the blood, and the excess sugars are stored inside the cells. Similarly, there is a more complex situation that involves the control of the pituitary gland. In the same response, the thyroid inhibiting hormone released, to inhibit thyroid stimulating hormone. The overall control of this negative feedback is mainly from the hypothalamus after receiving several inputs from the body and external factors as well. According to one scientist (Ebey,S 2009), the pan crease is always on its toes to keep the body in homeostasis through the negative feedback of the blood sugar levels. In some instances, the glucose levels may fall as a result of heavy exercise or even prolonged periods of hunger. The Alpha cells of the pan crease will release the hormone glucagon that acts to increase the glucose levels. The process of glycogenolysis takes place, and glycogen is reconverted to glucose and released to the bloodstream. The condition of having low blood sugar level is known as hypoglycemia which is corrected by injecting the glucagon hormone. Other remedies would include taking a lot of carbohydrate dishes. In summary, there are several facts that will determine the output response of the pituitary gland and the other endocrine glands, in efforts to maintain blood glucose balance. Q.5 (a); How thepancreasis involved in the regulating the level of sugar/salt levels in the blood: The pancreas is a very vital organ in the body and the most unique. It has both the endocrine and the exocrine glands. Thepan crease is responsible for maintaining the blood glucose balance. The Pancreas is fixedbeneath the stomach and next to the spinalcord ((Rubenstein, E 1980).). It is also connected to the duodenum. The cells of the pancreases are clustered in groups known as the islets of Langerhans. This gland produces two main hormones, which are directly involved in the regulation of the blood glucose and salt in the body. These hormones are Insulin and Glucagon. The balance in our bodies is very important because without it, then we would be vulnerable to very many complications (Snyder, S 1985,). Diabetes is number one threat if there is no balance of the blood sugar levels. The Pancreases secretes several hormones in conjunction to maintaining the sugar, salt balances in the body. The main pancreatic hormones include; The gastrin gland; which is needed to promote the digestion taking place in the stomach and this helps to produce acid. Glucagon; this hormone is released when the blood sugar levels are very low. It performs its function in reverse to that of the insulin hormone. It reconverts the stored glycogen to glucose and the glucose is immediately released to the blood hence raising the levels. Somatostatin; Sometimes the levels of Insulin and glucagon hormones can get too high and that is when Somatostatin is produced to maintain the blood glucose, salt levels. Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP); It is found on the walls of the intestine and deals with the regulation of water and how it is absorbed by the intestinal cells that release water and salt to the intestines. This helps to bring a homeostatic balance in the stomach. Although most of the pancreatic cells mainly work together to enhance the digestive functions, the endocrine cells, on the other hand, will enhance the overall body health. The pancreatic hormones are directly related to most of the common disorders and diseases in our day to day life. These diseases include Diabetes, Hyperglycemia (overproduction of glucagon hormone), and Hypoglycemia (overproduction of Insulin hormone). Q.5 (b); Type 1 and type 2 diabetes Diabetes mellitus is an abnormal condition that makes it impossible for a patient to produce and then utilize hormone insulin. There are basically two types diabetes mellitus; 1 & 2 (Rubenstein, E 1980). Diabetes mellitus 1; It’s a condition that will occur when the body is unable to release hormone insulin in adequacy. This can also happen, when no hormone Insulin is produced. Diabetes mellitus 2; It’s a condition whereby there is some sort of resistance to insulin response, within the body tissues. Either of these conditions if untreated will cause the blood to retain too much glucose levels in the blood, (hyperglycemia).This will be accompanied by so many other complications. So of the common symptoms for these two types of diabetes include; a) Dizziness/ fatigue b) Nausea and vomiting c) Sudden weight loss d) Polydipsia (frequent thirst) e) Polyphagia (frequent hunger) f) Polyuria(Frequent urination) g) Slow healing of wounds h) Blurred vision i) Genital itching In addition to these symptoms, a patient suffering from Diabetes type 1 will have a very dry mouth. For Type 2, the patient will have a dry mouth as well and painfullegs. Type1diabetes develops after a very short span of time and signs show early. On the other hand, Diabetes type 2 will develop over months and sometimes years. It can be difficult to spot. It can eventually lead on from pre-diabetes (Kim &, Lee, 2005). References Ebey,S (2009), Scienceray, Regulation of Glucose Insulin, Retrieved November 1, 2009. Cortex). Finney, B &Tessa, P(2008), Cinnamon and hormonal modulationAustralian Journal of Medical Herbalism Jump, U, Zhang, HN, Lin, ZB (2004), Hypoglycemic effect ofGanodermalucidumpolysaccharides, ActaPharmacol. Sin.’25 (2): 191–5, PMID 14769208. Kim,YW,Choi,HJ,Lee, DS (2005), Anti-diabetic response of beta-glucans and their enzymatically hydrolyzed oligosaccharides from Agaricusblazei, Biotechnol’ 27 (7): 483–7,doi:10.1007/s10529-005-2225-8, PMID 15928854.  Rubenstein, E (2010), ‘Diseases caused by impaired communication among cells’, Scientific American, March, 78–87. Snyder, S (2005), ‘The molecular basis of communication between cells’, Scientific American, October, 114–23. Read More