Health Information

Introduction

The endocrine system consists of ductless glands, which secrete hormones. The hormones are directly poured into circulation without the help of a duct. Hormone is the secretion of an endocrine gland, which is transported to a site distant from its origin where it produces it action.

The following are the endocrine glands present in the body:

Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is situated at the base of brain is called sella turcica of sphenoid bones. It consists of two main lobes they are anterior lobe or adenohypophysis and posterior lobe or neurohypophysis. Pars intermedia connect the two lobes, which is a small intermediate lobe.

Thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is situated in the lower part of neck on the thyroid cartilage. The thyroid gland contains two lobes, one on each side of the trachea. These two lobes are connected by an isthumus, which lies in front of the trachea.

Parathyroid glands

The parathyroid glands are four in number. They are embedded on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland, two lying on each side.

Adrenal or suprarenal glands

The adrenal glands are two in number. One gland each is situated on the top of each kidney.

Pancreas

The pancreas lies on the posterior abdominal wall in front of abdominal aorta and lumbar vertebrae. It extends between the C- shaped curvature of duodenum and the spleen. The pancreas contains a head, body and tail.

Thymus

Thymus is a gland present in the upper chest cavity on the trachea but it lies behind the sternum, but in front of heart and arch of aorta. It consists of two lobes and each lobe consists of a number of lobules. The thymus is bigger in size at birth and it grows in size until puberty. Later, it gradually decreases in size.

Pineal gland or pineal body

It is a very small gland situated in the brain below the corpus callosum and behind the third ventricle. It is reddish grey in colour and measures about 10mm in length. The shape is similar to a pinecone. The exact functions of pineal gland are not known. Perhaps, it influences the release of gonadotrophic hormones from anterior pituitary.