Anatomy and Physiology

Magaan, Samantha D. Dr. Sulam

1-2 BSP 8:30-12:30/ TTH
Diseases of Endocrine Glands
Pineal body- The pineal gland, also known as the pineal body, conarium or epiphysis cerebri, is
a small endocrine gland in the vertebratebrain. It produces the serotonin derivative melatonin,
a hormone that affects the modulation of sleep patterns in the circadian rhythms and seasonal
functions. Its shape resembles a tiny pine cone (hence its name), and it is located in
the epithalamus, near the centre of the brain, between the two hemispheres, tucked in a groove
where the two rounded thalamic bodies join.
Hypothalamus- Hypothalamic disease is a disorder presenting primarily in the hypothalamus,
which may be caused by damage resulting from malnutrition,
including anorexia and bulimia eating disorders, genetic disorders, radiation, surgery, head
trauma, lesion, tumour or other physical injury to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is the
control center for several endocrine functions. Endocrine systems controlled by the
hypothalamus are regulated by anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), corticotropin-releasing
hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, oxytocin, all of
which are secreted by the hypothalamus. Damage to the hypothalamus may impact any of these
hormones and the related endocrine systems. Many of these hypothalamic hormones act on
the pituitary gland. Hypothalamic disease therefore affects the functioning of the pituitary and
the target organs controlled by the pituitary, including the adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, and
the thyroid gland.
Pituitary Gland - Hypersecretion (Hyperpituitarism, Acromegaly, Gigantism).
The pituitary gl and secretes t oo much of t he growt h
hormone. If t his occurs in children, t he resul t is giantism ( an abnormal skeletal
devel opment ). Excessive production of t he growt h hormone when an individual is
anadul t causes acromegal y (head, face, hands, feet, and internal organs get progre
ssivelylarger). In giantism, t he people are general l y large but usual l y ver y weak. I
nacromegal y, t he bones of t he face, hands, and feet wi den. The j aw protrudes, and
t he forehead bones bul ge
Hyposecretion. The condition occurs when not enough hormones are
secreted by t he anterior lobe of t he pituitary gl and. The resul t is metabolic dysfunct i
on, sexual immaturit y, and growt h retardation when t he probl em takes place in chil
dhood. In an adul t , insufficient amount s of t hese hormones result s in
a condition called
Simmond' s disease. Signs and sympt oms i ncl ude emaciation (ext reme thinness), as
thenia (severe weakness or loss of strength), lowered metabolic rate, l ow
temperature, and l ow blood pressure. The cause of this deficiency in t he production
of hormones is usual l y t rauma, t umor, or hemorrhage.
Parathyroid Gl and-
Hyperparathyroidism. One or more of the parathyroid glands enlarges. Too
much parathyroid hormone is secreted, and the serum calcium level becomes too high.
There is a change in the function of cells of the bone, renal tubules, and gastrointestinal
mucosa. The withdrawal of calcium from bones (osteoporosis) leads to hypercalcemia
(abnormally high concentration of calcium in the blood) and kidney stones. Other signs
and symptoms include muscular weakness, gastrointestinal symptoms such as
anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pains. Treatment depends on the diagnosis
of the cause of the condition. Surgical removal of the parathyroid tissue is often the
treatment.
Thyroi d Gl and- is a common problem that can cause symptoms because of over- or under-
function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is an essential organ for producing thyroid
hormones, which maintain body metabolism. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck
below the Adam's apple. Thyroid disease can also sometimes lead to enlargement of the thyroid
gland in the neck, which can cause symptoms that are directly related to the increase in size of
the organ (such as difficulty swallowing and discomfort in front of the neck).
Adrenal gland- Adrenal gland disorders (or diseases) are conditions that interfere with the
normal functioning of the adrenal glands. They are characterized by adrenal insufficiencies,
where there are deficiencies in the availability of steroids that are produced by the adrenal
glands. Adrenal Gland disorder is rather prevalent in small animals including rabbits, ferrets &
guinea pigs. They may cause hyperfunction or hypofunction, and it may be congenital or
acquired. Adrenal gland disorders are challenging to diagnose, but if left untreated, they are life
threatening and can be very deadly.
Pancreas- The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It produces
juices that help break down food and hormones that help control blood sugar levels. Problems
with the pancreas can lead to many health problems. These include
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas: This happens when digestive enzymes start
digesting the pancreas itself
Pancreatic Cancer
Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder in which thick, sticky mucus can also block tubes in your
pancreas
Gonads- Gonadal dysgenesis is any congenital developmental disorder of the reproductive system
characterized by a progressive loss of germ cellson the developing gonads of an embryo. This loss
leads to extremely hypoplastic (underdeveloped) and dysfunctioning gonads mainly composed
of fibrous tissue, hence the name streak gonads - i.e., a form of aplasia in which the ovary is replaced
by functionless tissue. The accompanying hormonal failure also prevents the development of secondary
sex characteristics in either sex, resulting in a sexually infantile female appearance and infertility.