Exocrine gland and endocrine gland Dr. P. Suganya Assistant Professor Department of Biotechnology Sri Kaliswari College (Autonomous), Sivakasi
Exocrine glands The exocrine gland sends their secretions through ducts directly to target organs of the body . Ex. Salivary gland, pancreas, etc
Endocrine glands Endocrine glands are the ductless glands of the endocrine system that secrete their products, hormones directly into the blood . Ex. Thyroid, pituitary gland.etc .
The human body has many glands which produce many secretions, such as sweat, saliva, oil and hormones . Anatomically, these glands are broadly classified into two types based on the presence or absence of ducts . Endocrine glands are the glands that secrete hormones without ducts , while exocrine glands secrete hormones through ducts .
Differences between exocrine and endocrine glands Endocrine Glands Exocrine Glands Ducts Endocrine glands do NOT have ducts Exocrine glands have ducts Secretory Products Hormones Sweat, enzymes, mucus, sebum Route of Secretion Secretory products released directly into the bloodstream, eventually reaching the target organ. Secretory products are released to an internal organ or the external surface through a duct. Examples Thyroid glands, parathyroid glands, pituitary glands, adrenal glands. Salivary glands, pancreas, liver, Brunner’s glands, oesophagal glands
? pituitary gland the pituitary gland is a part of your endocrine system. Its main function is to secrete hormones into your bloodstream. These hormones can affect other organs and glands, especially your: thyroid reproductive organs Adrenal glands The pituitary gland is sometimes called the master gland.
Pituitary gland anatomy and function The pituitary gland is small and oval-shaped . It’s located behind your nose, near the underside of your brain. It’s attached to the hypothalamus by a stalklike structure. The hypothalamus is a small area of your brain . It’s very important in controlling the balance of your bodily functions. It controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland can be divided into two different parts: the anterior and posterior lobes.
Anterior lobe The anterior lobe of your pituitary gland is made up of several different types of cells that produce and release different types of hormones, including : Growth hormone. Growth hormone regulates growth and physical development. It can stimulate growth in almost all of your tissues. Its primary targets are bones and muscles. Thyroid-stimulating hormone. This hormone activates your thyroid to release thyroid hormones. Your thyroid gland and the hormones it produces are crucial for metabolism. Adrenocorticotropic hormone. This hormone stimulates your adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other hormones.
Follicle-stimulating hormone. Follicle-stimulating hormone is involved with estrogen secretion and the growth of egg cells in women. It’s also important for sperm cell production in men. Luteinizing hormone. Luteinizing hormone is involved in the production of estrogen in women and testosterone in men. Prolactin. Prolactin helps women who are breastfeeding produce milk. Endorphins. Endorphins have pain-relieving properties and are thought to be connected to the “pleasure centers” of the brain . Enkephalins . Enkephalins are closely related to endorphins and have similar pain-relieving effects. Beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. This hormone helps to stimulate increased pigmentation of your skin in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Posterior lobe The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland also secretes hormones. These hormones are usually produced in your hypothalamus and stored in the posterior lobe until they’re released. Hormones stored in the posterior lobe include: Vasopressin. This is also called antidiuretic hormone . It helps your body conserve water and prevent dehydration. Oxytocin. This hormone stimulates the release of breast milk. It also stimulates contractions of the uterus during labor.
Pituitary gland conditions Pituitary tumors. Pituitary tumors are usually noncancerous. However, they often interfere with the release of hormones. They can also press against other areas of your brain, leading to vision problems or headaches. Hypopituitarism. This condition causes your pituitary gland to produce very little or none of one or more of its hormones. This can affect things like growth or reproductive system function. Acromegaly. In this condition, your pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. This can lead to excessive growth, especially of your hands and feet. It’s often associated with pituitary tumors.
Symptoms headaches weakness or fatigue high blood pressure unexplained weight gain trouble sleeping changes in psychological state, including mood swings or depression memory loss reproductive issues, including infertility
Tips for pituitary gland health Eat a balanced, healthy diet eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are great sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals choosing good sources of fats, such as those that contain omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats opting for whole grains over refined grains reducing sodium intake avoiding refined sugars drinking at least four to six cups of water a day Reduce stress and depression
Thyroid gland
Thyroid gland Largest gland in the body Location : in the neck inferior the larynx and spanning over the ventral surface of trachea Function: Secretion of thyroxin and triiodothyronine Secretion of calcitonin
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits low on the front of the neck. The thyroid has two side lobes , connected by a bridge (isthmus) in the middle. When the thyroid is its normal size, you can’t feel it. Brownish-red in color, the thyroid is rich with blood vessels. The thyroid secretes several hormones, collectively called thyroid hormones. The main hormone is thyroxine , also called T4. Thyroid hormones act throughout the body, influencing metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature During infancy and childhood, adequate thyroid hormone is crucial for brain development.
Thyroid Conditions Goiter : A general term for thyroid swelling. Goiters can be harmless, or can represent iodine deficiency or a condition associated with thyroid inflammation called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Thyroiditis : Inflammation of the thyroid, usually from a viral infection or autoimmune condition. Thyroiditis can be painful, or have no symptoms at all. Hyperthyroidism : Excessive thyroid hormone production. Hyperthyroidism is most often caused by Graves disease or an overactive thyroid nodule. Hypothyroidism : Low production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid damage caused by autoimmune disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism . Graves disease : An autoimmune condition in which the thyroid is overstimulated, causing hyperthyroidism. Thyroid cancer : An uncommon form of cancer, thyroid cancer is usually curable. Surgery, radiation, and hormone treatments may be used to treat thyroid cancer. Thyroid nodule : A small abnormal mass or lump in the thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules are extremely common. Few are cancerous. They may secrete excess hormones, causing hyperthyroidism, or cause no problems. Thyroid storm : A rare form of hyperthyroidism in which extremely high thyroid hormone levels cause severe illness.
Thyroid Treatments Thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy): A surgeon removes all or part of the thyroid in an operation. Thyroidectomy is performed for thyroid cancer, goiter, or hyperthyroidism. Antithyroid medications : Drugs can slow down the overproduction of thyroid hormone in hyperthyroidism. Two common antithyroid medicines are methimazole and propylthiouracil . Radioactive iodine : Iodine with radioactivity that can be used in low doses to test the thyroid gland or destroy an overactive gland. Large doses can be used to destroy cancerous tissue. External radiation : A beam of radiation is directed at the thyroid, on multiple appointments. The high-energy rays help kill thyroid cancer cells. Thyroid hormone pills : Daily treatment that replaces the amount of thyroid hormone you can no longer make. Thyroid hormone pills treat hypothyroidism, and are also used to help prevent thyroid cancer from coming back after treatment. Recombinant human TSH : Injecting this thyroid-stimulating agent can make thyroid cancer show up more clearly on imaging tests.