endocrine glands
These are glands whose secretions [called hormones] are directly poured into the bloodstream.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
endocrine glands | These are glands whose secretions [called hormones] are directly poured into the bloodstream. |
exocrine glands | These are glands whose secretions [called enzymes] are carried to other parts of the body by ducts. |
ductless glands | endocrine glands |
why are secretions of endocrine hormones secreted in small quantities | because they contain highly potent messages and are not required in large doses. |
hormone | It is a chemical substance secreted by an Endocrine gland, which is directly poured into the bloodstream and acts on a target organ. |
thyroid gland | it is a bilobed gland situated on either side of the windpipe just below the larynx |
which hormone is secreted by the thyroid gland | thyroxine |
thyroxine | it is an iodine-containing protein which stimulates growth in infants. |
goitre | it is an illness caused by the enlargement of the thyroid gland. it appears as a swelling in the neck. |
cretinism | it is an ailment which brings about abnormal development in infants. it causes both physical and mental retardation. |
myxoedema | it is an ailment seen in adults when there is insufficient production of thyroxine.
it is identified by swelling of hands & face and general sluggishness. |
ailments caused by overproduction of thyroxine | weight loss, increased heart rate, general restlessness, increased metabolic rate |
adrenal glands | it is present on top of the kidneys. it is divided into 2 parts: the central medulla and the peripheral cortex |
the central medulla of the adrenal glands | it produces adrenaline [epinephrine/fight-or-flight hormone/emergency hormone]. it is produced when the person is under severe stress, fearful, or angry. |
purpose of epinephrine | it prepares the body to meet any emergency situation or flee from the danger. it gives extra energy and strength in any adverse situation. |
effects of adrenaline | it increases the heart rate and respiration rate, it increases blood pressure, and is accompanied by an increase in blood supply to the muscles and release of more glucose into the blood from the liver. |
adrenal cortex | It produces cortisol. Cortisol influences carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. It also regulates the salt and water balance in the body. These hormones adapt to stresses like heat, cold, and infection. |
what part of the pancreas secretes hormones | it has a cluster of hormone producing cells called islets of Langerhans. these islets produce insulin and glucagon. |
how does insulin lower the level of glucose in the blood | 1. it converts excess glucose to glycogen, which is stored in the liver and muscles.
2. induces the cells to burn extra glucose in the body to produce heat and energy.
3. makes the cells convert excess glucose to fat. |
what disease is caused due to insufficient insulin | diabetes mellitus is caused, and it leads to excessive urination loaded with sugar and extreme thirst caused by the excessive urination and extreme weight loss. |
glucagon | it stimulates the breakdown of glycogen in the liver to glucose, stimulating rise in blood sugar. |
pituitary gland | it is a pea-sized gland located below the brain. it secretes growth hormones, thyroid stimulating hormones, follicle stimulating hormones, and prolactin |
why is the pituitary gland called as the master gland | because it secretes hormones that regulate the activity of several other glands. |
growth hormone | it regulates growth during the adolescent stage. Excessive production can cause gigantism, while insufficient production can cause dwarfism. |
thyroid stimulating hormone | stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine |
follicle stimulating hormone | influences the production of sperm in males and ova in females. |
prolactin | stimulates the breasts to produce milk after childbirth. |
how is the pituitary gland essential in the childbirth process | it causes the contractions of the uterus during childbirth. |
adolescence | the period of life from 10-19 years of age of an individual in which the body undergoes development leading to reproductive maturity. |
increase in height | during this period, the bones of arms and legs elongate, and the weight of the body also increases. initially, girls grow faster than boys, but growth stops towards the end of their teenage. |
change in body shape | boys usually have longer bones and more muscles than muscles. boys have broader shoulders and narrower hips, while girls have curvaceous bodies and wider hips due to enlargement of hip bones. |
change in voice | During adolescence, the voice box grows. Because of this, boys usually develop larger voice boxes. This can be seen protruding out of the throat as an adam's apple. Boys generally have deep and hoarse voices, unlike girls, who have high-pitched voices. |
increased activity of sweat and sebaceous glands | during adolescence, the activity of sebaceous and sweat glands increases, causing acne and pimples on the faces of young people. |
puberty | it is the period in which the reproductive system of girls and boys starts to develop and mature. |
what is the first sign of puberty | in girls, the first sign is development of breasts, and in boys, it is the enlargement of testes. |
male sex hormones | androgens [main one is testerone] |
female sex hormones | oestrogens |
which parts of the body produce sex hormones | the testes and ovaries |
what other changes do sex hormones bring in girls | in girls, breasts begin developing, release of eggs starts, uterus and vagina increase in size, menstruation starts, the hip girdle becomes trough shaped and more than the hip girdle, high pitched voice, and fat is laid down in the thighs, giving the characteristic curves of the female body. |
what other changes do sex hormones bring in boys | in boys, it creates voice cracks, growth of the penis and scrotal sac, growth spurts, shoulder girdle being more than hip girdle, deepening of voice, and growth of hair on the legs, chest, and face. |
psychological changes caused by adolescence | 1. adolescents become conscious of their bodies and become afraid to consults adults for help
2. they spend a lot of time grooming
3. they become worried about their future as they have no set goals for the future
4. they prefer staying in groups of close frineds [called peers] and try to mimc the behaviour of others in the peer group to fit in.
5. in the eagerness to be like their peers, adolescents may get mixed up into wrong practices like smoking, drinking, or addiction to drugs. |
adulthood | it is the stage that follows adolescence, and it is when individuals gain emotional stability and full physical growth. |
practices to be followed to maintain one's health | 1. eat a balanced diet
2. avoid long hours of work
3. avoid watching television or computers for too long
4. avoid practices like smoking, drinking, and consumption of drugs.
5. maintain proper personal hygiene.
6. avoid rubbing of eyes to prevent entering of germs into eyes
7. girls should take extra care of cleanliness during menstruation
8. regular physical activity should be encouraged |
stress | it is a state of mental or emotional strain. it can also be called tension.
it is the body's way of reacting to certain changes, whether good or bad, and it releases specific hormones into the body. |
what happens when you are stressed | when an individual is stressed, the body responds as though they are in danger. |
how can one manage stress | 1. yoga can reduce stress by increasing respiratory intake, energy, and vitality.
2. a proper sleep schedule
3. reading is a good way to calm oneself and gain knowledge.
4. thinking positively
5. laughter improves your mood
6. proper time management will allow you to be aware of what needs to be done and how
6. hobbies and meditation can help distract from stress and provide solutions |