endocrine function. The endocrine system and its role

Metabolism is supported by many body systems. One of the important controllers of metabolism is the human endocrine system. The endocrine system fulfills its purpose thanks to biologically active substances called hormones. Hormones can penetrate into organs and tissues through the intercellular space or through the bloodstream.

A certain part of the endocrine cells are assembled into a single structure and are endocrine glands. The other part is diffusely scattered throughout the body and are, in fact, a scattered part of the endocrine system.

The main functions of the endocrine system are:

• Organizes and coordinates the coordinated work of almost the entire human body
• Participates directly in most chemical processes in the body
• Promotes persistence internal environment under changing environmental conditions
• Participates in the regulation of human development and growth
• Participates in processes directly related to reproductive function
• Capable of generating the necessary energy
• Plays a role in shaping the emotional background of a person

The pituitary gland is a human endocrine organ.

It is an important part of the endocrine system, located in the so-called Turkish saddle and is an appendage of the brain. Together with the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland forms the hypothalamic-pituitary system, with the help of which everything is controlled hormonal status organism.

The pituitary gland consists of two parts: adeno- and neurohypophysis. The pituitary gland produces six important dominant hormones (such as ACTH, thyroid-stimulating hormone), 4 hormones that regulate the function of the genital area, and somatotropin involved in the growth process.

Another important organ of the endocrine system is thyroid . This gland is located in the neck, in front of the larynx and has two lobules.

Thyroxine and triiodothyronine produced by it are involved in metabolism, in the processes of formation of organs and tissues. The thyroid gland also produces such a hormone, necessary for the musculoskeletal system, as calcitonin.

It is directly involved in and regulates bone calcium metabolism in the bone. Work thyroid gland has a close relationship and dependence on the hypothalamic-pituitary system, gonads and adrenal glands.

In order for the thyroid gland to function properly, it is necessary enough iodine in the blood.

Human endocrine system: parathyroid glands

The parathyroid glands are small glands located at the bottom of each of the lobules of the thyroid gland. Despite them small size, these glands are necessary for the body to control the level of biological calcium in the circulatory system.

At plummet calcium in the blood, the parathyroid glands begin to produce parathyroid hormone, which forces the bones to give up their calcium into the blood. The bone apparatus is weakened, but the nervous system can function normally.

Human endocrine system: adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are glands that determine their location by name - they are located in the region of the upper pole of the kidneys. The adrenal glands are the main suppliers of such well-known hormones as adrenaline and norepinephrine into the blood.

Adrenaline and norepinephrine are structurally classified as catecholamines. These hormones at rest are always kept in low titers.

At the same time, when a person experiences stress or fear, the level of adrenaline and norepinephrine increases dramatically.

Adrenaline increases blood pressure, narrowing of the vessels of the bronchi, dilation of the pupil and makes the heart work in an enhanced mode. In this state, a person is able to make quick decisions and, in case of danger, act.

Norepinephrine is a precursor of adrenaline, does not cause such a pronounced effect on the internal organs and heart, but, nevertheless, is more capable of constricting blood vessels. The pathology of the adrenal glands is often disguised as diseases of the kidneys, heart, etc.

Corresponds to its name and is located under the stomach. For the most part this gland produces digestive enzymes that are excreted through the ducts into the duodenum.

However, there are islets in the pancreas that produce two opposite hormones - insulin and glucagon. Insulin causes the level of glucose in the blood to decrease, while glucagon, on the contrary, to increase it.

These two important hormones are involved in carbohydrate metabolism substances in the human body.

gonads play important role in the human reproductive system. The ovaries in women are produced every menstrual cycle one or more eggs.

In addition, the ovaries produce female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which affect not only the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, but also normal course pregnancy. In men, the gonads (testicles) produce seminal fluid necessary for fertilization. female egg and male hormones: testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione.

Diseases of the endocrine system, unfortunately, are difficult to diagnose due to blurring clinical picture. Therefore, if there are any problems in the body, you need to contact a specialist.

The endocrine system (endocrinesystem) regulates the activity of the whole organism due to the production of special substances - hormones, which are formed in the endocrine glands. Hormones entering the bloodstream, together with the nervous system, provide regulation and control of vital important functions organism, maintaining its internal balance (homeostasis), normal growth and development.

The endocrine system is made up of endocrine glands, a characteristic feature of which is the absence of excretory ducts in them, as a result of which the release of the substances they produce is carried out directly into the blood and lymph. The process of releasing these substances into the internal environment of the body is called internal, or endocrine (from the Greek words "endos" - inside and "crino" - secrete), secretion.

Humans and animals have two types of glands. Glands of one type - lacrimal, salivary, sweat and others - secrete the secret they produce outward and are called exocrine (from the Greek exo - outside, outside, krino - to secrete). The glands of the second type release the substances synthesized in them into the blood washing them. These glands were called endocrine (from the Greek endon - inside), and the substances released into the blood were called hormones (from the Greek "gormao" - I move, excite), which are biologically active substances. Hormones are able to stimulate or weaken the functions of cells, tissues and organs.

The endocrine system is under the control of the central nervous system and together with it carries out the regulation and coordination of body functions. Common to nerve and endocrine cells is the development of regulatory factors.

Composition of the endocrine system

The endocrine system is divided into the glandular (glandular apparatus), in which endocrine cells are brought together and form the endocrine gland, and diffuse, which is represented by endocrine cells scattered throughout the body. Almost every tissue in the body contains endocrine cells.

The central link of the endocrine system is the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and pineal gland (pineal gland). Peripheral - thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, pancreas, adrenal glands, gonads, thymus(thymus).

The endocrine glands that make up the endocrine system vary in size and shape and are located in different parts body; common to them is the release of hormones. This is what made it possible to separate them into a single system.

Functions of the endocrine system

The endocrine system (endocrine glands) following features:
- coordinates the work of all organs and systems of the body;
- is responsible for the stability of all vital processes of the body in conditions of change external environment;
- participates in chemical reactions occurring in the body;
- participates in the regulation of the functioning reproductive system man and his sexual differentiation;
- participates in education emotional reactions man and in his mental behavior;
- together with the immune and nervous systems regulates the growth of a person, the development of the body;
- is one of the energy generators in the body.

GLANDULAR ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

This system is represented by endocrine glands, which carry out the synthesis, accumulation and release into the bloodstream of various biologically active substances (hormones, neurotransmitters, and others). In the glandular system, endocrine cells are concentrated within a single gland. The central nervous system is involved in the regulation of the secretion of hormones of all endocrine glands, and hormones according to the mechanism feedback affect the function of the central nervous system, modulating its activity and state. Nervous regulation of the activity of the peripheral endocrine functions of the body is carried out not only through the tropic hormones of the pituitary gland (pituitary and hypothalamic hormones), but also through the influence of the autonomic (or autonomic) nervous system.

Hypothalamic-Hopophyseal System

The link between the endocrine and nervous systems is the hypothalamus, which is both a nerve formation and an endocrine gland. It receives information from almost all parts of the brain and uses it to control the endocrine system by releasing special chemicals called releasing hormones. The hypothalamus closely interacts with the pituitary gland, forming the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Releasing hormones enter the pituitary gland through the bloodstream, where, under their influence, the formation, accumulation and release of pituitary hormones occur.

The hypothalamus is located directly above the pituitary gland, which is located in the center of the human head and connects to it through a narrow stalk called the funnel, which constantly transmits messages about the state of the system to the pituitary gland. The control function of the hypothalamus is that neurohormones control the pituitary gland and influence the absorption of food and liquid, as well as control weight, body temperature and sleep cycle.

The pituitary gland is one of the main endocrine glands in the human body. In its shape and size, it resembles a pea and is located in a special recess sphenoid bone cerebral skull. Its size is not more than 1.5 cm in diameter, and its weight is from 0.4 to 4 grams. The pituitary gland produces hormones that stimulate and control almost all other glands of the endocrine system. It consists, as it were, of several lobes: anterior (yellow), middle (intermediate), posterior (nervous).

epiphysis

Deep below the cerebral hemispheres is the pineal gland (pineal gland), a small reddish-gray gland shaped like a fir cone (hence its name). The pineal gland produces the hormone melatonin. The production of this hormone reaches its peak around midnight. Babies are born with a limited amount of melatonin. With age, the level of this hormone rises, and then slowly begins to decline in old age. The pineal gland and melatonin are believed to make our brains tick. The biological clock. External signals such as temperature and light, as well as various emotions, affect pineal gland. Sleep, mood, immunity, seasonal rhythms, menstruation and even the aging process depend on it.

Thyroid

The gland got its name from the thyroid cartilage and does not at all resemble a shield. This is the largest gland (not counting the pancreas) of the endocrine system. It consists of two lobes connected by an isthmus and resembles a butterfly with unfolded wings. The weight of the thyroid gland in an adult is 25 - 30 grams. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland (thyroxine, triiodothyronine and calcitonin) provide growth, mental and physical development, and regulate the rate of metabolic processes. The thyroid gland needs iodine to make these hormones. Lack of iodine leads to swelling of the thyroid gland and the formation of a goiter.

parathyroid glands

Behind the thyroid gland are rounded bodies, similar to small peas 10–15 mm in size. These are the parathyroid or parathyroid glands. Their number varies from 2 to 12, more often there are 4. The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone, which regulates the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

Pancreas

An important gland of the endocrine system is the pancreas. This is a large (12 - 30 cm long) secretory organ, located in the upper part abdominal cavity, between the spleen and duodenum. The pancreas is both an exocrine and an endocrine gland. It follows that some of the substances secreted by it go out through the channels, while others enter directly into the blood. It contains small collections of cells called pancreatic islets that produce the hormone insulin, which is involved in regulating the body's metabolism. A lack of insulin leads to the development of diabetes mellitus, an excess leads to the development of the so-called hypoglycemic syndrome, which is manifested by a sharp decrease in blood sugar.

adrenal glands

Special place in the endocrine system, they are occupied by the adrenal glands - paired glands located above the upper poles of the kidneys (hence their name). They consist of two parts - the cortex (80 - 90% of the mass of the entire gland) and the medulla. The adrenal cortex produces about 50 various hormones, of which 8 have a pronounced biological action; common name her hormones are corticosteroids. The medulla produces the most important hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine. They affect the state blood vessels, moreover, norepinephrine narrows the vessels of all departments, with the exception of the brain, and adrenaline constricts some of the vessels, and some expands. Adrenaline increases and speeds up heart contractions, and norepinephrine, on the contrary, can lower them.

Gonads

The sex glands are represented in men by the testicles, and in women by the ovaries.
The testicles produce sperm and testosterone.
The ovaries produce estrogens and a number of other hormones that ensure the normal development of female genital organs and secondary sexual characteristics, determine the cyclical nature of menstruation, the normal course of pregnancy, etc.

thymus

The thymus or thymus gland is located behind the sternum and just below the thyroid gland. Relatively large in childhood, the thymus decreases in adulthood. It is of great importance in maintaining immune status human, producing T-cells, which are the basis of the immune system and thymopoietins, which promote maturation and functional activity immune cells throughout their lifetime.

DIFUSE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

In a diffuse endocrine system, endocrine cells are not concentrated, but scattered. Some endocrine functions perform the liver (secretion of somatomedin, insulin-like growth factors, etc.), kidneys (secretion of erythropoietin, medullins, etc.), spleen (secretion of splenins). More than 30 hormones that are secreted into the bloodstream by cells or clusters of cells located in tissues have been isolated and described. gastrointestinal tract. Endocrine cells are found throughout the human body.

Diseases and treatment

Endocrine diseases are a class of diseases that result from a disorder of one or more endocrine glands. Endocrine diseases are based on hyperfunction, hypofunction or dysfunction of the endocrine glands.

Usually, the treatment of diseases of the endocrine system requires integrated approach. Therapeutic effect therapy is enhanced by a combination of scientific methods of treatment with the use of folk recipes and other means traditional medicine containing in the recommendations healthy grains long-term folk experience home treatment of a person, including those suffering from diseases of the endocrine system.

Recipe number 1. Universal remedy normalization of the functions of all glands of the endocrine system is a plant - lungwort. For treatment, grass, leaves, flowers, root are used. Young leaves and shoots are eaten - salads, soups, mashed potatoes are prepared from them. Young, peeled stems and flower petals are often eaten. How to use: one tablespoon of dry lungwort herb is poured with one glass of boiling water, boiled for 3 minutes, cooled and taken four times a day 30 minutes before meals. Drink in slow sips. Honey can be added morning and evening.
Recipe number 2. Another plant that treats hormonal disorders of the endocrine system is horsetail. It promotes the production of female hormones. How to use: Brew and drink like tea 15 minutes after eating. In addition, field horsetail can be mixed in a ratio of 1: 1 with the rhizome of calamus. This healing decoction many women's diseases are cured.
Recipe number 3. To prevent disorders of the endocrine system in women, leading to excessive hair growth of the body and face, you need to introduce into the diet as often as possible (at least 2 times a week) a dish such as an omelette with champignons. The main components of this dish have the ability to draw in, absorb excess male hormones. When preparing an omelet, natural sunflower oil should be used.
Prescription number 4. One of the most common problems in older men is benign prostatic hypertrophy. The production of testosterone decreases with age, and some other hormones increase. The end result is an increase in dihydrotestosterone, a powerful male hormone that causes prostate enlargement. An enlarged prostate presses on urinary tract, what causes frequent urination, sleep disturbance and fatigue. Very effective in treatment natural remedies. First, you must completely eliminate the use of coffee and drink more water. Then increase the doses of zinc, vitamin B6 and fatty acids(sunflower, olive oil). Extract from dwarf palm palmetto is also a good remedy. It can be easily found in online stores.
Recipe number 5. Treatment of diabetes. Finely chop six onions, fill them with raw cold water, close the lid, let it brew overnight, strain and drink the liquid little by little during the day. So do every day for a week, adhering to a normal diet. Then 5 days break. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated until recovery.
Recipe number 6. Home integral part field cloves are its alkaloids, which cure many diseases and include the whole immune system and especially the thymus (small sun). This plant improves hormonal system, bringing the ratio of hormones to normal, treats excessive hair growth in women, baldness in men. Serves as the best blood purifier. Method of application: the plant in dry form should be brewed like tea (1 tablespoon per glass of water) and infused for 10 minutes. Drink after meals for 15 days in a row, then 15 days off. It is not recommended to use more than 5 cycles, as the body may become addictive. Drink 4 times a day without sugar instead of tea.
Recipe number 7. The work of the adrenal glands and the endocrine system can be adjusted with the help of smell. In addition, the smell eliminates violations in the field of gynecology and other serious functional diseases women. This healing smell is the smell of the sweat glands of men in the armpits. To do this, a woman should inhale the smell of sweat 4 times a day for 10 minutes, burying her nose in her right armpit men. This smell of sweat under the arm should preferably belong to a beloved and desired man.

These recipes are for reference only. Before use, you should consult with your doctor.

Prevention

In order to minimize and minimize the risks associated with diseases of the endocrine system, it is necessary to observe healthy lifestyle life. Factors that adversely affect the state of the endocrine glands:
Flaw motor activity. This is fraught with circulatory disorders.
Improper nutrition. Junk food with synthetic preservatives, trans fats, hazardous food additives. Deficiency of basic vitamins and minerals.
harmful drinks. Tonic drinks containing a lot of caffeine and toxic substances, have a very negative effect on the adrenal glands, deplete the central nervous system, shorten its life
Bad habits. Alcohol, active or passive smoking, drug addiction leads to a serious toxic load, depletion of the body and intoxication.
A state of chronic stress. Endocrine organs are very sensitive to such situations.
Bad ecology. The body is negatively affected by internal toxins and exotoxins - external damaging substances.
Medicines. Children overfed with antibiotics in childhood have problems with the thyroid gland, hormonal imbalances.

Human endocrine system - important department, with pathologies of which there is a change in the speed and nature of metabolic processes, the sensitivity of tissues decreases, the secretion and transformation of hormones is disturbed. Against the background of hormonal disruptions, sexual and reproductive function, appearance changes, working capacity, well-being worsens.

Every year, endocrine pathologies are increasingly being detected in patients. young age and children. The combination of environmental, industrial and other adverse factors with stress, overwork, hereditary predisposition increases the likelihood chronic pathologies. It is important to know how to avoid development metabolic disorders, hormonal disruptions.

general information

The main elements are located in different parts of the body. - a special gland, in which not only the secretion of hormones occurs, but also the process of interaction between the endocrine and nervous systems for the optimal regulation of functions in all parts of the body.

The endocrine system ensures the transfer of information between cells and tissues, the regulation of the functioning of departments with the help of specific substances - hormones. Glands produce regulators with a certain frequency, in optimal concentration. The synthesis of hormones weakens or increases against the background of natural processes, for example, pregnancy, aging, ovulation, menstruation, lactation, or during pathological changes different nature.

Endocrine glands are formations and structures of various sizes that produce a specific secret directly into the lymph, blood, spinal, interstitial fluid. Absence of external ducts, as in the salivary glands - specific feature, on the basis of which, the hypothalamus, thyroid gland, pineal gland are called endocrine glands.

Classification of the endocrine glands:

• central and peripheral. The separation is carried out by the connection of the elements with the central nervous system. Peripheral parts: sex glands, thyroid gland, pancreas. Central glands: epiphysis, pituitary gland, hypothalamus - parts of the brain;
• pituitary independent and hypophysis dependent. The classification is based on the influence of the tropic hormones of the pituitary gland on the work of the elements of the endocrine system.

The structure of the endocrine system

The complex structure provides a diverse effect on organs and tissues. The system consists of several elements that regulate the functioning of a particular department of the body or several physiological processes.

The main divisions of the endocrine system:

• diffuse system- glandular cells that produce substances that act like hormones;
• local system- classic glands that produce hormones;
• specific substance capture system- amine precursors and subsequent decarboxylation. Components - glandular cells producing biogenic amines and peptides.

Organs of the endocrine system ( endocrine glands):

• adrenal glands;
• pituitary;
• hypothalamus;
• epiphysis;

Organs containing endocrine tissue:

• testes, ovaries;
• pancreas.

Organs containing endocrine cells:

• thymus;
• kidneys;
• organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
• central nervous system (the main role belongs to the hypothalamus);
• placenta;
• lungs;
• prostate.

The body regulates the functions of the endocrine glands in several ways:

• first. Direct influence on gland tissues with the help of a specific component, for the level of which a certain hormone is responsible. For example, values ​​decrease when increased secretion occurs in response to an increase in concentration. Another example is the suppression of secretion with an excess concentration of calcium acting on cells. parathyroid glands. If the concentration of Ca falls, then the production of parathyroid hormone, on the contrary, increases;
• second. The hypothalamus and neurohormones carry out nervous regulation functions of the endocrine system. In most cases nerve fibers affect the blood supply, the tone of the blood vessels of the hypothalamus.

On a note! Influenced by external and internal factors both a decrease in the activity of the endocrine gland (hypofunction) and an increased synthesis of hormones (hyperfunction) are possible.

Hormones: properties and functions

By chemical structure hormones are:

• steroid. The lipid base, substances actively penetrate through cell membranes, prolonged exposure, provoke a change in the processes of translation and transcription during the synthesis of protein compounds. Sex hormones, corticosteroids, vitamin D sterols;
• derivatives of amino acids. The main groups and types of regulators: thyroid hormones (and), catecholamines (norepinephrine and adrenaline, which are often called "stress hormones"), a tryptophan derivative - a histidine derivative - histamine;
• protein-peptide. The composition of hormones is from 5 to 20 amino acid residues in peptides and more than 20 in protein compounds. Glycoproteins (and), polypeptides (vasopressin and glucagon), simple protein compounds (somatotropin, insulin). Protein and peptide hormones - large group regulators. It also includes ACTH, STH, LTH, (pituitary hormones), thyrocalcitonin (thyroid), (pineal gland hormone), parathyroid hormone (parathyroid glands).

Derivatives of amino acids and steroid hormones exhibit the same type of action, peptide and protein regulators have a pronounced species specificity. Among the regulators there are peptides of sleep, learning and memory, drinking and eating behavior, analgesics, neurotransmitters, regulators of muscle tone, mood, sexual behavior. This category includes immune, survival and growth stimulants,

Peptides-regulators often affect the organs not independently, but in combination with bioactive substances, hormones and mediators, they show a local effect. Feature- synthesis in various departments organism: gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, heart, reproductive system.

The target organ has receptors for certain kind hormone. For example, the bones are susceptible to the action of the regulators of the parathyroid glands, small intestine, kidneys.

The main properties of hormones:

• specificity;
• high biological activity;
• distance of influence;
• secretion.

The lack of one of the hormones cannot be compensated with the help of another regulator. In the absence of a specific substance, excessive secretion or low concentration, a pathological process develops.

Diagnosis of diseases

To assess the functionality of the glands that produce regulators, several types of studies of various levels of complexity are used. First, the doctor examines the patient and the problem area, for example, the thyroid gland, identifies external signs deviations and .

Be sure to take a personal/family history: many endocrine diseases have a hereditary predisposition. The following is a set of diagnostic measures. Only a series of analyzes in combination with instrumental diagnostics allows you to understand what type of pathology develops.

The main methods for studying the endocrine system:

• identification of symptoms characteristic of pathologies against the background of hormonal disruptions and abnormal metabolism;
• radioimmunoassay;
• holding a problem organ;
• orchiometry;
• densitometry;
• immunoradiometric analysis;
• test for ;
• conducting and CT;
• the introduction of concentrated extracts of certain glands;
• Genetic Engineering;
• radioisotope scanning, application of radioisotopes;
• determination of the level of hormones, metabolic products of regulators in various types fluids (blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid);
• study of receptor activity in target organs and tissues;
• clarification of the size of the problematic gland, assessment of the growth dynamics of the affected organ;
• accounting for circadian rhythms in the production of certain hormones in combination with the age and gender of the patient;
• conducting tests with artificial suppression of the activity of the endocrine organ;
• comparison of blood parameters entering and exiting the gland under study

On the page, read the instructions for using Mastodinon drops and tablets for the treatment of mastopathy of the mammary glands.

Endocrine pathologies, causes and symptoms

Diseases of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, hypothalamus, pineal gland, pancreas, and other elements:

• endocrine hypertension;
• pituitary dwarfism;
• , endemic and ;

The collection of endocrine glands (endocrine glands) that provide the production of hormones is called the endocrine system of the body.

With Greek the term "hormones" (hormaine) is translated as to induce, set in motion. Hormones are biologically active substances produced by endocrine glands and special cells found in tissues that are in salivary glands, stomach, heart, liver, kidneys and other organs. Hormones enter the bloodstream and affect the cells of target organs located either directly at the site of their formation (local hormones) or at some distance.

The main function of the endocrine glands is the production of hormones that are distributed throughout the body. From this follow additional functions endocrine glands through the production of hormones:

• Participation in exchange processes;
• Maintaining the internal environment of the body;
• Regulation of the development and growth of the organism.

The structure of the endocrine glands

The organs of the endocrine system include:

• Hypothalamus;
• Thyroid;
• Pituitary;
• parathyroid glands;
• Ovaries and testicles;
• Islets of the pancreas.

During the period of bearing a child, the placenta, in addition to its other functions, is also an endocrine gland.

The hypothalamus secretes hormones that stimulate the function of the pituitary gland or, conversely, suppress it.

The pituitary gland itself is called the main endocrine gland. It produces hormones that affect other endocrine glands and coordinates their activity. Also, some hormones produced by the pituitary gland direct influence on biochemical processes in the body. The rate of hormone production by the pituitary gland is arranged according to the feedback principle. The level of other hormones in the blood gives the pituitary gland a signal that it should slow down or, conversely, accelerate the production of hormones.

However, not all endocrine glands are controlled by the pituitary gland. Some of them indirectly or directly react to the content of certain substances in the blood. So, for example, the cells of the pancreas, which produces insulin, respond to the concentration of fatty acids and glucose in the blood. The parathyroid glands respond to phosphate and calcium concentrations, while the adrenal medulla responds to direct stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Hormone-like substances and hormones are produced by various organs, including those that are not part of the structure of the endocrine glands. So, some organs produce hormone-like substances that act only in the immediate vicinity of their release and do not release their secret into the blood. These substances include some hormones produced by the brain, which affect only the nervous system or two organs. There are other hormones that act on the entire body as a whole. For example, the pituitary gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone, which acts exclusively on the thyroid gland. In turn, the thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones that affect the functioning of the entire body.

The pancreas produces insulin, which affects the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the body.

Diseases of the endocrine glands

As a rule, diseases of the endocrine system occur as a result of metabolic disorders. The reasons for such disorders can be very different, but mainly the metabolism is disturbed as a result of a lack of vital minerals and organisms in the body.

The proper functioning of all organs depends on the endocrine (or hormonal, as it is sometimes called) system. Hormones produced by the endocrine glands, entering the bloodstream, act as catalysts for various chemical processes in the body, that is, the rate of most of them depends on their action. chemical reactions. Also, with the help of hormones, the work of most organs of our body is regulated.

In case of violation of the functions of the endocrine glands, the natural balance of metabolic processes is disturbed, which leads to the occurrence various diseases. Often, endocrine pathologies occur as a result of intoxication of the body, injuries or diseases of other organs and systems that disrupt the functioning of the body.

Diseases of the endocrine glands include diseases such as diabetes, erectile disfunction, obesity, thyroid disease. Also, in violation of the proper functioning of the endocrine system, there may be cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, joints. So right job endocrine system is the first step to health and longevity.

An important preventive measure in the fight against diseases of the endocrine glands is the prevention of poisoning (toxic and chemicals, food products, excretion products pathogenic flora intestines, etc.). It is necessary to cleanse the body of free radicals, chemical compounds, heavy metals. And, of course, at the first signs of the disease, it is necessary to pass comprehensive examination After all, the sooner treatment is started, the greater the chance of success.

The human body consists of endocrine glands that synthesize hormones into the blood. It is necessary for the implementation humoral regulation and consists of separate organs called glands.

The physiology of the endocrine system is built on the control of the interaction of the endocrine and nervous systems through the synthesis of certain substances. This can be seen in the example of the interaction of glucose and insulin, which is necessary to maintain in the blood right balance substances. This control is carried out with the help of substances called hormones.

Such a concept as an effector of systems makes it possible to distinguish between the nervous and endocrine systems. Effectors of the nervous system activate a certain muscle or group of muscles, effector cells of the endocrine system activate hormone receptors. Effectors have one important feature: they trigger hormonal synthesis with the help of special cells that make up the endocrine organ.

Peculiarity human body that hormones can be produced not only by endocrine cells, but also by other cells, only in small quantities.

Endocrine cells, collected together, turn into a gland that regulates metabolic processes in the human body. The anatomy of the glands divides them into endocrine and exocrine. The former secrete hormones into the lymph and blood.

The main anatomical feature of the exocrine glands is excretory ducts needed to bring the secret to the surface, for example, salivary glands secrete saliva, sweat - sweat.

Endocrine glands and their features

What does the human endocrine system consist of, what are its anatomical features? general characteristics endocrine system includes a description of the glands shown in the table below.

The pathophysiology of the endocrine system examines the dysfunction of the glands and, consequently, the altered level of hormone secretion and the destruction of endocrine cells.

A change in the level of hormone synthesis is caused by the reasons indicated in the table:

The pathophysiology of the endocrine system includes its research methods, which include:

• blood test for hormone levels;
• radiography;
• palpation;
• CT scan;

The diffuse endocrine system has its own characteristics and is represented by cells scattered in the human body that synthesize aglandular peptides. Each organ has endocrine cells, the largest number of them in the mucous membranes and in the digestive organs.

Diseases of the diffuse endocrine system are called apudopathy:

• gastrinoma;
• insulinoma;
• carcinoid;
• medullary thyroid cancer.

Most often, a person is affected by carcinoid, a neoplasm can occur in the appendix, intestines, bronchi, gallbladder, pancreas. Carcinoid - malignant tumor, which has a nested structure that releases serotonin, histamine, bradykinin, substances that destroy the heart, liver and lungs.

Endocrine system of children

The endocrine system of a child has a complex structure that adapts to environmental factors and the characteristics of the work of internal organs.

Anatomy endocrine organs the child does not differ from the adult, the main hormonal center is the hypothalamus. Hormones of the hypothalamus regulate the functions of the pituitary gland.

The structure of the pituitary gland of a child:

• The anterior lobe synthesizes somatotropic, thyrotropic, adenocorticotropic, follicle-stimulating.
• The middle and intermediate lobe secrete melatropin.
• The posterior lobe synthesizes vasopressin and oxytocin.

Next important organ, normal work which supports the growth and development of a growing organism - the thyroid gland. In newborns, it has a mass of up to 5 g, to adolescence the mass of the gland increases to 14 grams, the thyroid gland fully matures by the age of fifteen.

A necessary organ in the anatomy of the endocrine system of children is the pancreas, which produces insulin and glucagon, substances that affect blood glucose levels. The pancreas also synthesizes somatostatin, which is necessary for physical development and growth of children.

AT anatomical structure, in addition to the thyroid and pancreas, the adrenal glands can also be noted, they are necessary for normal development skeleton, immunity and psyche.

By structure, the parathyroid glands are a paired organ, the peak of activity of which occurs in the first two years of a child's life; the secreted parathyroid hormone regulates phosphorus and calcium metabolism. Decreased calcium levels lead to seizures, tooth decay and increased excitability in children. Enhanced level calcium - these are kidney stones, weakness and pain in the muscles, constipation.

The formation of sexual characteristics is carried out by the sex glands, the laying of which occurs for nine months in the womb of the mother. The female or male genotype is fully formed by the time the child is born.