What is Endocrinology?

Photo credit: http://213.106.147.101/bdec2/images/jpgs/endocrine_diagram.jpg

Endocrinology is a branch that deals specifically with the Endocrine system, the diseases concerned and the substance that it secretes which are known to be as Hormones. Situation such as imbalances in hormones, the rupture of the glands that produce hormones are also studied in endocrinology. The Endocrine system is composed of various glands which are dispersed in the different parts of the body. The hormones, which are produced by the endocrine system, functions as the secretions that contribute to the developmental events in the body.  A hormone has distinct functions and types of action (e.g. Different target organs may be affected by one hormone in several ways; also in contrast, one target organ can be affected by several hormones).

To further explain what Endocrinology is, here is a short video from http://youtu.be/HrMi4GikWwQ. :)

 There are various glands which are involved in the function of the Endocrine system. Here's a list of the glands and their short introduction: 

1. Pineal Gland - One hormone, Melatonin, is produced by this gland. Melatonin's function is to inhibit the manufacture of gonadotropin which triggers the development of the testes and ovaries.

                                                                                                                                     

Photo credit: http://www.healingtherapies.info/PinealGland1.htm 

     
 

2. Pituitary Gland - also called the "master gland" due to its great influence to the different body organs.
                                                                      

    Photo credit: http://wikis.lib.ncsu.edu/index.php/R._Anderson,_Merton-Greeney,_Harmon

3. Parathyroid Gland -  it regulates the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the body.
                                                                       

                       Photo credit: http://www.pauerhome.com/ryan/endocrine_system/parathyroid_gland.html    

   



4. Thyroid Gland - releases thyroid hormones which regulates the body's metabolism.
                                                                 

                                                        Photo credit: http://www.thirdage.com/hc/c/what-is-hyperthyroidism    

5. Thymus Gland - this gland is essential in early stages of life for immune function. it secretes humoral factors which aids in manufacture of lymphoid system.
                                                                 
                        Photo credit: http://www.thirdage.com/hc/p/239516/what-is-removal-of-the-thymus-gland   
 


6. Hypothalamus Gland  - this gland is located superior to the pituitary gland. It controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland by several releasing hormones.
                                                              

           Photo credit: http://www.pennmedicine.org/health_info/body_guide/reftext/html/endo_sys_fin.html   

7. Ovaries - Female's twin reproductive organs that facilitates the production of progesterone and estrogen. Progesterone and Estrogen are responsible for the development and maintenance of the female's sexual traits.
                                                                        

                   Photo credit: http://health.rush.edu/HealthInformation/In-Depth%20Reports/10/000511.aspx

  


8. Adrenals

           a.) adrenal cortex - the external or outer part which produces glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids and sex hormones which are essential for the secondary sex characteristics for both male and female.

            b.) adrenal medulla - the internal or inner part which produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.

                                                                                 

  Photo credit: http://www.tutorvista.com/content/biology/biology-iv/chemical-coordination-animals/adrenal-glands.php    

  


9. Pancreas (Islet of Langerhans) -  it produces insulin and glucagon for the maintenance of healthy blood sugar levels.
                                                                          

                                  Photo credit: http://www.londonlivercentre.co.uk/pancreatic-cancer/the-pancreas/       

10. Testicles/Testes - the male's twin reproductive hormone which creates testosterone. Testosterone facilitates the development and maintenance of the male's sexual traits.
                                                                                      

                                     Photo credit: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/understanding-testicular-cancer-basics     

 As what i have mentioned above, those are the glands that are concerned in the study of the endocrine system. All of these glands function together to regulate and control the growth, development, metabolism and reproduction that takes place in a human body. If any impairment occurs in any of these glands, a term called hormone imbalance occurs which may possibly cause serious conditions. Such conditions and other concerns involving the endocrine system will be elaborated subsequently.

Endocrinology will be further discussed in this blog. As of now, i hope that this blog gave you the generalization on what this topic is and taught you the necessary details and information regarding Endocrinology. :) Thanks for reading! GB♥

*to further improve your knowledge about endocrinology, visit this site:
 http://www.ivy-rose.co.uk/HumanBody/Endocrine/Endocrine_Glands.php

and read this as well, 
 Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology, Sixth Edition, by Seeley, Stephens and Tate (pages 269-299)