Question

What are Endocrine glands? Identify chief Endocrine glands, the hormones produced by them, the functions of the hormones and diseases produced due to imbalances.

Answer 1

Hint: The endocrine framework is an organization of glands and organs situated all through the body. It's like the sensory system in that it assumes an essential part in controlling and directing large numbers of the body's capacities. In any case, while the sensory system utilizes nerve driving forces and synapses for correspondence, the endocrine framework utilizes chemicals for transport.

Complete answer:
The endocrine system is responsible for directing physiological functions through the circulating hormones. These chemicals are emitted by the glands of the endocrine framework, venturing out through the circulation system to different organs and tissues in the body. The hormones then, at that point, guide these organs and tissues. A few instances of substantial functions that are constrained by the endocrine framework include: digestion, development and improvement, sexual capacity and generation, pulse. Some glands producing certain hormones are mentioned below-

Hypothalamus- It regulates sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, and appetite. The pituitary gland produces growth hormone, prolactin, FSH, LH, ADH, oxytocin etc. Pineal gland produces melatonin. The thyroid gland produces thyroxine. The parathyroid maintains calcium levels in our bones and blood. The thymus is imperative for the development of lymphocytes. The adrenal gland produces steroid hormones. The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone while the testes secrete testosterone.

Defects in GH causes gigantism or dwarfism. Thyroid gland imbalances cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism causing major changes in basal metabolic rates. Defects in the thymus cause immunodeficiency disorders. Imbalances in hormones produced by adrenal gland causes disorders like cushing syndrome, addison’s disease etc.

Note:
The thymus gland is at its maximum size at the time of the birth but reduces in size gradually in course of growth. Pancreas are the glands which have both parts- exocrine and endocrine. It produces hormones like insulin and glucagon and controls blood sugar levels.