What is Endocrine system and its secreting

Hormones
The study of Endocrine glands and their functions are called ‘Endocrinology’ the term introduced
by PENDE. Vertebrates has been attained their systems in evolution. The systems
are Respiratory system, Circulatory system, excretory system, Digestive system, Nervous
system, Endocrine system and some other systems. In this there are two integrated systems
functioning in Homeostasis in vertebrates including humans. These are Nervous system and
Endocrine system. In this post we can discuss the details about Endocrine system, Endocrine
secretions and their functions.
What is Endocrine Gland and What are Hormones?
Table of Contents [hide]
 1 What is Endocrine Gland and What are Hormones?
 2 How many Glands are Present in Human?
 3 How to Classify the Endocrine Gland secretions (Hormone)?
o 3.1 A) Based on their site on action, the hormones are of two types:
o 3.2 B) A classification of vertebrate hormones, based on their chemical composition:
 4 Endocrine Glands, Secretions and their functions:
o 4.1 A) Pituitary Gland:
o 4.2 B) Thyroid Gland:
o 4.3 C) Pancreatic Hormones:
o 4.4 D) Adrenal Glands:
o 4.5 E) Gonads:
 5 What are the mechanisms involved in Hormonal action?
(endonG=within; krineinG=to separate or distinguish). Endocrine glands are also called Ductless
Glands. A ductless gland producing hormonal secretions that passes directly into the blood stream
(or) Lymph. Bayliss and Starling (1902) defined an endocrine gland as ductless gland that
synthesizes and then, upon appropriate stimulation, Release into the Blood Stream a chemical
agent or Hormone. The Hormones or the chemical messenger is carried by blood throughout the
body of the animal to target cells which possess specific receptor sites for hormones.

How many Glands are Present in Human?

The Principle Endocrine Glands in Human are

1. Head Region (Two Glands) : Pineal and Pituitary Gland

2. Neck Region (Three Glands) : Thymus , Thyroid and Parathyroid
3. Abdominal Region (Four Glands) : Pancreas, Gastrointestinal mucosa, Adrenals and
Gonads
How to Classify the Endocrine Gland secretions (Hormone)?
A) Based on their site on action, the hormones are of two types:
a) Local Hormones: It have specific local effects, where their nomenclature. E.g.: Acetylcholine,
Secretin, Cholecystokinin, Serotonin, Histamine, Angiotensin, Bradykinin & Kallidin.
b) General Hormones: These are secreted by specific endocrine glands and are transported in the
cause physiologic actions at points remote from their place of origin.
 Some general hormones affect almost all cells of the body. E.g.: GH, Thyroid hormones
 Some general hormones affect specific tissues far more than other
tissues. E.g.: Adrenocorticotropin, Ovarian hormone
B) A classification of vertebrate hormones, based on their chemical
composition:
1. Steroidal Hormones
2. Peptide Hormones
3. Amino acid derivatives
Endocrine Glands, Secretions and their functions:
A) Pituitary Gland:
The pituitary gland is made of 3 lobes namely,

1. Anterior pituitary lobe (largest of all) [70%] –

 Growth Hormone (GH)
 Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)
 Leutininzing Hormone (LH)
 Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
 Thyroid stimulating Hormone (TSH)
2. Middle lobe (5%) : Melanocyte stimulating Hormone (MSH)
3. Posterior pituitary lobe (25%):
 Vasopressin and
 Oxytocin (or) Ocytocin
B) Thyroid Gland:
T3 and T4 molecules (Thyroxine) are the thyroidal gland secretions.

C) Pancreatic Hormones:
Pancreas secrets Three hormones. They are

 Insulin – Reduce the Blood Glucose levels

 Glucagon – Rises the Blood Glucose levels
 Somatostatin
D) Adrenal Glands:
The gland has Two part. They are

 Adrenal Cortex Region: Secrets Mineralocorticoids and Glucocorticoids

 Adrenal Medullary Region : Secrets Epinephrine (or) Adrenalin and Nor-
Epinephrine (or) Nor-Adrenalin
E) Gonads:
These are sex hormones, which are categorized into THREE groups:

 Androgens or male sex hormones which are C-19 steroids.

  Estrogens or female sex hormones which are C-18 steroids. Ring A of steroid nucleolus is
phenolic in nature and is devoid of C-19 methyl group.
 Progesterone is a C-21 steroid produced during the luteal phase of menstrual cycle and also
during pregnancy.
What are the mechanisms involved in Hormonal action?
Before going to read this read my old notes on Hormonal Action. Based on mechanism of action,
the hormones may be classified into two types:

 Hormones with cell surface receptors (or) Peptide Hormonal Mechanism

 Hormones with Intra-cellular receptors (or) Steroidal Hormonal Mechanism