[ENDOCRINE GLANDS]

PITUITARY GLAND

THYROID GLAND
The thyroid gland is situated close to the trachea in the neck. It secretes a hormone called thyroxin. It
regulates carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism in our body. It indirectly affects the growth of the body
by promoting growth and differentiation of tissues. Hence, it is also known as the personality hormone.
Thyroid disorders:

The deficiency (hypothyroidism) or excess secretion (hyperthyroidism) of this hormone results in certain
disorders.

• Hypothyroidism- The condition in which thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroxin to meet
the normal requirements of the body. This condition causes abnormalities like simple goitre,
myxoedema and cretinism.
• Simple goitre- It is usually caused by deficiency of iodine in diet and results in swelling in the neck
region due to enlargement of the thyroid gland. People living near coastal regions usually do not
suffer from this disease as sea water and soil are rich in iodine. People suffering from goitre are
suggested to increase their intake of iodine with food and water.
• Myxoedema- It is mainly caused in adults due to under activity of the thyroid gland and symptoms
include low metabolic rate, loss of mental and physical vigour, increase in weight, thickening of the
skin and lower rate of heart beat. This condition is cured by giving proper doses of thyroxin to the
person.
• Cretinism- It is found in children born with improperly functioning thyroid gland. Its symptoms
include stunted growth, retarded mental development, bow legs, defective teeth, protrusion of the
tongue and loose skin. These effects can be prevented by providing proper treatment in time.
• Hyperthyroidism- It is caused due to the excess secretion of thyroxin. It results in high metabolism,
protrusion of the eye balls, high BP, nervous tension, irritability, profuse swelling, weight loss and
fatigue. This can also be cured by giving proper treatment in time.

PARATHYROID GLAND

There are four parathyroid glands present on back side of thyroid glands that secrete parathyroid hormone or
parathormone (PTH). This hormone regulates the level of calcium ions in the bloodstream.

The deficiency of this hormone results in the painful muscle cramps. On the other hand its over secretion
removes calcium from the bones making them soft and spongy.

ADRENAL GLANDS

The adrenal (suprarenal glands) gland, is situated at the anterior part of the kidneys. Each adrenal gland
consists of two parts- outer cortex and inner medulla.

Your adrenal glands are responsible for producing and releasing the following essential hormones:
• Cortisol. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone that plays several important roles. It helps control
your body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It also suppresses inflammation, regulates your
blood pressure, increases blood sugar and helps control your sleep-wake cycle.

• Aldosterone. Aldosterone helps regulate your blood pH (how acidic or basic it is) by controlling the
levels of electrolytes (sodium and potassium) in your blood.

• DHEA and androgenic steroids. These hormones are weak male hormones, meaning they don’t
have much biologic impact. They’re converted into female hormones (estrogens) in the ovaries and
into male hormones (androgens) in the testes. Androgens are usually thought of as male hormones,
but the female body naturally produces a small number of androgens, too.

• Adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). These hormones are known as the
“fight or flight” hormones and are called catecholamines. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are capable
 of increasing your heart rate and force of heart contractions, increasing blood flow to your muscles
and brain and assisting in glucose metabolism. They also control the squeezing of your blood vessels
(vasoconstriction), which helps maintain blood pressure. Your adrenal glands often release these
hormones, like other adrenal hormones, when you’re in physically and emotionally stressful
situations.

Adrenal gland disorders:-

• Addison’s disease (primary adrenal insufficiency). This is a rare autoimmune disease that causes
your adrenal glands to produce lower-than-normal levels of cortisol and aldosterone.

• Cushing syndrome. This condition happens when your adrenal glands produce too much cortisol.
It’s usually caused by a tumor or certain medications.

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. This is a condition you’re born with where your body lacks an
enzyme that your adrenal glands need to make hormones.

• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism). This condition happens when females develop excessive hair
growth due to high levels of androgen, which your adrenal glands make.

• Primary aldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome). This condition happens when your adrenal glands
produce too much aldosterone.

PANCREAS

Pancreas is a mixed gland i.e. both exocrine and endocrine in function. The cells of pancreas which are
endocrine in function are known as islets of Langerhans and secrete two hormones- insulin and glucagon.

Insulin regulates the blood sugar level in the human body. It increases the permeability of the cell membrane
for glucose and accelerates the passage of glucose into the cells from the bloodstream.

In case of deficiency of insulin, the level of glucose in blood increases and is excreted through urine. This
condition is known as diabetes mellitus. Other symptoms of the disease include frequent urination and
thirst. The treatment of diabetes mellitus includes oral pills or injections of insulin.

Glucagon is antagonistic hormone to insulin and is secreted when blood glucose levels are low. It helps in
conversion of glycogen into glucose. This glucose is released into the blood and supplied to the tissues.

GONADS

Gonads (testes and ovaries) are both involved in producing gametes and are also endocrine (produce
hormones) in function. Testes secrete testosterone and ovaries secrete the hormones estrogen and
progesterone. These are also known as male sex hormones and female sex hormones respectively.

• Testosterone is responsible for the growth and development of male secondary sexual characters.
• Deficiency of testosterone results in under-sexed individuals whose masculine characters are not
properly developed.
• Estrogen is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characters in females like
development of mammary glands etc.
• Deficiency of estrogen causes infertility.
• Progesterone helps in regulation of menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy.
The human body contains 30 amazing hormones, which regulate activities such as sleeping, body
temperature, hunger, and managing stress.
QUESTION AND ANSWERS

Q1> Where are the endocrine glands located?

The endocrine system is comprised of several glands. The human brain contains the hypothalamus, pituitary,
and pineal glands. The neck includes the parathyroid and thyroid glands. The pancreas is beneath our
stomach, the adrenals are on top of the kidneys, and the thymus is between our lungs. The pelvic area
contains either male testes or female ovaries, depending upon gender.

Q2> What is the most important endocrine gland?

The pituitary gland, a tiny gland around the size of a pea, is essential for controlling important functions of
the body and overall well-being. Because it manages the function of most other hormone-secreting glands, it
is known as the “master gland” of the body.

Q3> Mention the functions of the gonads.

Steroid hormone synthesis and gametogenesis are the two primary functions of the gonads. In addition,
reproductive hormones are essential for foetal growth, development, sexual maturation, and sexual
differentiation.

Q4> Are there hormones in other animals also? Have they any role to play in reproduction?

Hormones are secreted in other animals also to help in their growth and development. For example,
metamorphosis in insects is controlled by insect hormones. In a frog, it is controlled by thyroxin, the
hormone produced by thyroid. Thyroxin production requires the presence of iodine in water. If the water in
which the tadpoles are growing does not contain sufficient iodine, the tadpoles cannot become adults.

Q5> Many adolescents do not grow according to their age. Can you give reason, why?
Many adolescents are at different stages of puberty, even though their age is same. The growth and
development of body depends upon the secretion of growth hormones which vary from person to person.

Q6> Explain the role of hormone in your body.

Hormones are secreted in other animals also to help in their growth and development. For example,
metamorphosis in insects is controlled by insect hormones. In a frog, it is controlled by thyroxin, the
hormone produced by thyroid. Thyroxin production requires the presence of iodine in water. If the water in
which the tadpoles are growing does not contain sufficient iodine, the tadpoles cannot become adults.

Q7> Give reason/explain — Pituitary gland is considered as the "master gland".

Answer

Pituitary gland secretes some hormones that regulate the activity of other endocrine glands. So, the pituitary
gland is also called the "master gland".

Q8> Give reason/explain — Epinephrine is also called as the 'emergency hormone'.

Answer
Epinephrine (also called adrenaline) is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. This hormone
prepares the body to meet any emergency situation i.e., to face the danger or flee from a situation. Hence it
is called the 'fight or flight hormone' or the 'emergency hormone'.
Q9> Why is the pancreas known as the mixed gland?

Mixed gland is a gland which has both endocrine and exocrine functions. The exocrine component has
ducts, through which its secretions pass. The pancreas is a gland with both endocrine (insulin and glucagon
secretion) and exocrine (secretion of digestive enzymes) functions.

Q10> ‘Adolescence is a crucial stage’. Justify this statement

Adolescence is the turning point of a person’s life. An individual attains full physical growth and a great
amount of emotional stability. By this time, the values learnt during childhood & adolescence are grounded
and a strong vision for future dominates. Stable relationships, intellectual & career pursuits & shouldering
responsibities take priority. Hence, adolescence is a crucial stage.
Q11> Write notes on

(a) Adam’s apple

(a) At puberty, the voice box or the larynx begins to grow. Boys develop larger voice boxes. The growing
voice box can be seen as a protruding part of the throat called Adam’s apple. It is absent in females

(b) Secondary sexual characters

(b) Secondary sexual characters are those features that help to distinguish the male from the female. In girls,
during puberty, breasts begin to develop & boys begin to grow facial hair that is moustaches & beard. As
these features are used to distinguish male & female hence they are called secondary sexual characters.

Q12> Briefly write about the importance of physical hygiene during adolescence.

Physical hygiene plays a very important role in maintaining one's own health during adolescence. Following
are some important practices for maintaining physical hygiene:

1. Proper and safe food:

i. To support rapid growth and development during adolescence, an adolescent should take a
balanced diet including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Milk, fruits and
fresh vegetables should be part of the regular diet.
ii. Avoid stale food and excessive fast food.

iii. Perishable food items should be properly stored in refrigerator.

2. Proper lifestyle:

i. Avoid long hours of continuous table work.

ii. Avoid watching television and playing computer games for long hours.

iii. Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol and drugs.

3. Cleanliness:
i. Washing hands with soap before and after meals, brushing teeth, taking regular bath, regular
toilet habits should be followed.
ii. Clothes, especially undergarments should be changed daily. Wearing very tight clothes should
be avoided.

iii. Eyes should be washed daily with clean and cold water. Rubbing of eyes with hands should
be avoided to prevent entry of germs.
 iv. Lack of cleanliness may lead to bacterial infection. Girls should take special care of
cleanliness during the time of their menstrual cycle.

4. Physical Exercise:

i. All young boys and girls should walk, exercise and play outdoor games regularly.

ii. Physical activity is important to combat the stress and strain of adolescence.

Q13> Briefly discuss any four activities which can be practiced to overcome stress.
Answer

Four activities which can be practiced to overcome stress are:

1. Yoga — Yoga is a mind body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing and
meditation or relaxation. It helps to reduce stress with:

i. Increased flexibility.

ii. Increased muscle strength and tone.

iii. Improved respiration, energy and vitality.

iv. Weight reduction.

v. Improved athletic performance.

2. Exercise — Just 30 to 45 minutes of exercise at least three times a week can make one feel much
healthier. Regular exercise can be done by running/jogging, swimming, cricket, football, hockey, etc.

3. Proper sleep schedule — Sound and timely sleep helps one to reduce the level of stress.
4. Reading — It is a great way to calm the mind and to gain knowledge.

Q14>

Puberty Adolescences

(a) Puberty includes the physical changes in the (a) Adolescence includes both physical &

body psychological changes in the body

(b) Puberty is the start of the time when a boy is

(b) Adolescence is psychological & social
biologically ready to become a father & a girl
transition from childhood to adulthood
is biologically ready to become a mother

(c) Puberty ends when an adolescent reaches (c) Adolescence may continue for few more years
reproductive maturity ever after the end of puberty.