Scribd
Upload
21 views

The Endocrine Assessment

Uploaded by

4bjpzwgc5k
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
21 views

The Endocrine Assessment

Uploaded by

4bjpzwgc5k
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 7

The

endocrine
system
Mayan Al-mejmaj 21220439
Endocrine System Overview
The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs located
throughout the body. It’s similar to the nervous system in that it
plays a vital role in controlling and regulating many of the body’s
functions. However, while the nervous system uses nerve impulses
and neurotransmitters for communication, the endocrine system
uses chemical messengers called hormones.
Keep reading to discover more about the endocrine system, what
it does, and the hormones it produces.

What does the endocrine system do?


The endocrine system is responsible for regulating a range of bodily
functions through the release of hormones. Hormones are secreted
by the glands of the endocrine system, traveling through the
bloodstream to various organs and tissues in the body. The
hormones then tell these organs and tissues what to do or how to
function.Some examples of bodily functions that are controlled by
the endocrine system include:
metabolism
growth and development
sexual function and reproduction
heart rate
blood pressure
appetite
sleeping and waking cycles
body temperature
Organs in the endocrine system
The glands of the endocrine system are where hormones are
produced, stored, and released. Each gland produces one or more
hormones, which go on to target specific organs and tissues in the
body.
The glands of the endocrine system include the:
Hypothalamus. While some people don’t consider it a gland, the
hypothalamusproduces multiple hormones that control the
pituitary gland. It’s also involved in regulating many functions,
including sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, and appetite. It
can also regulate the function of other endocrine glands.
Pituitary. The pituitary gland is located below the hypothalamus.
The hormones it produces affect growth and reproduction. They
can also control the function of other endocrine glands.
Pineal. This gland is found in the middle of your brain. It’s
important for your sleep-wake cycles.
Thyroid. The thyroid gland is located in the front part of your neck.
It’s very important for metabolism.
Parathyroid. Also located in the front of your neck, the parathyroid
gland is important for maintaining control of calcium levels in your
bones and blood.
Thymus. Located in the upper torso, the thymus is active until
puberty and produces hormones that are important for the
development of a type of white blood cell called a T cell.
Adrenal. One adrenal gland can be found on top of each kidney.
These glands produce hormones that are important for regulating
functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and stress response.
Pancreas. The pancreas is located in your abdomen behind your
stomach. Its endocrine function involves controlling blood sugar
levels.
Some endocrine glands also have non-endocrine functions. For
example, the ovaries and testes produce hormones, but they also
have the non-endocrine function of producing eggs and sperm,
respectively.
Endocrine system hormones
Hormones are the chemicals the endocrine system uses to send
messages to organs and tissue throughout the body. Once released
into the bloodstream, hormones travel to their target organ or tissue,
which has receptors that recognize and react to the hormone.
Below are some examples of hormones that are produced by the
endocrine system.
Conditions that can affect the
endocrine system
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism happens when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than
necessary. This can be caused by a range of things, including autoimmune conditions.
Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
fatigue
nervousness
weight loss
diarrhea
issues tolerating heat
fast heart rate
trouble sleeping
Treatment depends on how severe the condition is, as well as its underlying cause.
Options include medications, radioiodine therapy, or surgery.

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone.
Similar to hyperthyroidism, it has many potential causes.
Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
fatigue
weight gain
constipation
issues tolerating the cold
dry skin and hair
slow heart rate
irregular periods
fertility issues
Treatment for hypothyroidism involves supplementing your thyroid hormone with
medication.
Cushing syndrome
Cushing syndrome happens due to high levels of the hormone cortisol.
Common symptoms of Cushing syndrome include:
weight gain
fatty deposits in the face, midsection, or shoulders
stretch marks, particularly on the arms, thighs, and abdomen
slow healing of cuts, scrapes, and insect bites
thin skin that bruises easily
irregular periods
decreased sex drive and fertility in males
Treatment depends on the cause of the condition and can include medications,
radiation therapy, or surgery.
Addison’s disease
Addison’s disease happens when your adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol or
aldosterone. Some symptoms of Addison’s disease include:
fatigue
weight loss
abdominal pain
low blood sugar
nausea or vomiting
diarrhea
irritability
a craving for salt or salty foods
irregular periods
Treatment for Addison’s disease involves taking medications that help replace the
hormones your body isn’t producing enough of.

Diabetes
Diabetes refers to a condition in which your blood sugar levels aren’t regulated within a
certain range.
People with diabetes have too much glucose in their blood (high blood sugar). There
are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Some common symptoms of diabetes include:
fatigue
increased hunger or thirst
frequent urge to urinate
irritability
frequent infections
Treatment for diabetes can include blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy, and
medications. Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise and eating a
balanced diet, can also help.
Resource
1-https://www.healthline.com/health/the-
endocrine-system#conditions

2-https://study.com/academy/lesson/structures-
functions-of-the-endocrine-system.html

https://www.epa.gov/endocrine-disruption/what-
endocrine-system

You might also like