The nervous and endocrine system are the major controlling system of the body. The nervous system exert rapid controls via nerve impulses; the endocrine system’s effects are mediated by hormones and are more prolonged.
THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM In this chapter you will learn about: The endocrine system Some common problems of the endocrine system DEFINITIONS : Carbohydrates : Sugars and starches Diabetes : A condition in which the body cannot break down and use (Diabetes Mellitus) carbohydrates because there is insufficient insulin Electrolyte : A fluid that conducts electricity Endocrine system : Exocrine Glands: Glands which secretes hormones into a body cavity or directly outside the body. Fallopian tubes: Tiny tubes connecting the ovaries with the uterus
Hormones : Fluid which starts a set of reactions within the body Immune : Protected against infection Secrete : Give off.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM The endocrine system is made up of the following: Pituitary Adrenal Thyroid Pancreas Parathyroid Ovaries(female sex glands) Thymus Testes (Male sex glands) These glands secrete fluids called Hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are necessary to set in motion and regulate body functions involved with: GROWTH DEVELOPMENT METABOLISM REPRODUCTION
GLANDS : Each gland secretes a particular hormone or group , of hormones, Each hormone is responsible for a particular function. PITUITARY GLANDS The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and is the smallest endocrine gland. It is called the master gland because its hormone regulates the work of all cells, or metabolism, and stimulates other endocrine hormones. The pituitary is the master regulator of the body.
THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM: THYROID GLAND - The thyroid gland is a large gland located at the base of the throat . its hormones are responsible for growth, energy, sexual development, and skin textures. PARATHYRIOD GLAND - The parathyroid glands are two pairs of very small glands located within the thyroid gland . Their hormone is necessary for regulating calciu7m and phosphorus within the body . Thymus gland is located in the center of the chest, behind and above the heart. This gland is not fully understood . It is believed that it plays a part in the body immune system. PANCREAS - The pancreas is located behind and underneath the stomach and liver. It secretes two hormones, insulin , and glucagons . Which regulate the level of sugar in the blood. ADRENAL GLANDS - The adrenals glands are two small glands which are located on top of each kidney. They are responsible for secreting hormones which regulate the use of nutrients in the body and regulate fluid and electrolyte balances . These adrenals also secrete hormones which help the body react to stress.
SEX GLANDS - Ovaries . In females, the ovaries are located at the end of the fallopian tubes in the lower pelvic area. These glands stimulate the regular release of ovum, or egg . They also produce female hormones needed for reproduction and physical female characteristics. Testes. In males . The testes are located in the scrotum, or sac behind the penis. These glands produce sperm and the male hormone which stimulates sperm production and physical male characteristics. : EXOCRINE GLANDS - The exocrine glands differ from most of the endocrine glands by secreting their hormones directly to the cut side of the body or into body cavities. Some of Exocrine glands: Lacrimal glands - The lacrimal glands are located behind eyes and are responsible for secreting the fluid, or tears that keep the eyes moist. Sweat glands- Sweat glands are located all over the surface of the skin. Their function is to release moisture to the surface where it will evaporate and produce cooling of the body. This process also eliminates some waste products. Salivary glands- The salivary glands are located inside the mouth. They produce saliva which keeps the mouth moist, makes food easier to chew and swallow, and begins the digestion of the food .
THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM There is a gradual decrease in hormone secretion as a person ages. The ovaries stop producing the female hormone estrogen after menopause. The testes continue to produce the male hormone , testosterone , but the amount decreases with age DISEASE OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM The most common disease of the endocrine system in the older resident is DIABETES MELLITUS. Diabetes affects people of all ages and puts them at risk for other complications and problems. It a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism. The body cannot break down and use sugars and starches because there is insufficient insulin secreted by the pancreas. Type 1 Diabetes (insulin-dependent) the body completely lacks the hormone insulin and the person must take the hormone regularly by injection Type 2 Diabetes ( non-insulin dependent) the condition can sometimes be brought under control exercise , careful diet, and medications. This condition becomes more common with aging. It important for the nursing assistant to monitor the diabetic resident carefully and report any eating problems to the charge nurse as these can affect the older diabetic. Good skincare and foot care can also be important in this group of resident.