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NERVOUS TISSUE, derived from neuroectoderm or neural crest, comprises the posterior pituitary
(neurohypophysis), adrenal medulla, and pineal.
Both neurohypophysis and pineal originate from the diencephalon and have organization typical of nervous
tissue. Secretion is from axon terminals. Secretory cells (neurons) are supported by glial cells.
The adrenal medulla is essentially a sympathetic ganglion originating from neural crest and innervated by
preganglionic sympathetic axons. The adrenal medullary cells lack axons but are otherwise functionally
similar to sympathetic axons.
Mesodermally derived endocrine cells, with organizational pattern more like CONNECTIVE
TISSUE, are represented by testicular Leydig cells and ovarian stromal cells. Ovarian
granulosa and luteal cells defy easy classification but are probably best placed in this class as
well.
Finally, INDIVIDUAL CELLS may have significant endocrine function. Examples include
the epithelial enteroendocrine cells of the GI tract and the juxtaglomular cells (modified
smooth muscle) of the renal cortex.
The thyroid consists of characteristic follicles, each with a large lumen surrounded by a
simple cuboidal epithelium. The appearance (as well as evolutionary origin) is that of an
exocrine gland which has lost its outlet so that secretory product accumulates in the
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follicles. Follicular cells store thyroglobulin in the follicles for subsequent use in
production and endocrine secretion of T3 (thyroxin) and T4. Parafollicular cells (C cells) produce
calcitonin.
For some examples of thyroid pathology, see WebPath (thyroiditis, inflammation), WebPath (Grave's disease,
hyperthyroid), and WebPath (goiter), or Milikowski & Berman's Color Atlas of Basic Histopathology, pp. 452-461.
The parathyroid consists of several discrete glands, each organized into tangled
curvilinear cords of chief cells. These cells secrete parathyroid hormone, which works in
opposition to calcitonin (from thyroid C cells) to regulate blood calcium levels.
The pancreatic islets are nests of endocrine cells scattered within the pancreas. Each
islet consists of several cell types which secrete insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and
pancreatic peptide. The cells are arranged into tangled cords.
Diabetes may result from immunological destruction of islet cells. For images, see WebPath (diabetes
I) and WebPath (diabetes II), or Milikowski & Berman's Color Atlas of Basic Histopathology, p. 469.
The adrenal consists of two distinct parts, an outer cortex and an inner medulla.
The cortex consists of cords of steroid-secreting epithelial cells, separated by
parallel sinusoids. The cords are organized into poorly defined zones. From the
outside inward, these zones secrete mineral corticoids (e.g., aldosterone),
glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol), and androgenic steroids.
For images of tumors leading to Cushing's disease, see WebPath (gross) and WebPath (microscopic), or
Milikowski & Berman's Color Atlas of Basic Histopathology, p. 466.
For gross images of adrenal hyperplasia (e.g., subsequent to Cushing's disease or ectopic ACTH
production) and also adrenal atrophy, see WebPath.
The medulla consists of cells similar to sympathetic neurons which secrete catecholamines
(epinephrine and norepinephrine).
The testis contains clusters of interstitial Leydig cells which secrete testosterone.
The pineal consists of pinealocytes, neuron-like cells which secrete melatonin. Calcium accumulation in
the pineal gland makes this structure a useful landmark in x-rays. (Histology of the pineal will not be
evaluated. It is mentioned here for completeness.)
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According to Rene Decartes, it is through the pineal that the soul controls the body.
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