Endocrine glands
Definition
Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream.
Endocrine glands include the:
- Adrenal
- Hypothalamus
- Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas
- Ovaries
- Parathyroid
- Pineal
- Pituitary
- Testes
- Thyroid
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Information
When a gland releases a substance, it is called secretion. Hypersecretion is when too many hormones are released. Hyposecretion is when too few hormones are released.
Many different disorders can result when too few hormones or too many hormones are released.
Here is a partial list of disorders that may result when a particular gland does not produce the right amount of hormones.
Adrenal:
Pancreas:
Parathyroid:
- Tetany
- Renal calculi
- Excessive loss of minerals from bone
Pituitary:
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Testes and ovaries:
- Lack of sex development (unclear genitalia)
Thyroid:
References
Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Larsen PR, Polonsky KS. Principles of endocrinology. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 1.
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
