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Chapter 8 - Endocrine Succi
Chapter 8 - Endocrine Succi
Chapter 8 - Endocrine Succi
Endocrinology is the study of hormones, the glands that produce them and the tissues
that they act on. Classic model of an endocrine system: Hormone produced by a gland
-> released into circulation -> where it becomes available to bind a specific receptor on
the target cell or tissue. The hormone then triggers a signaling cascade that results in a
change in cellular function. It is important to know that hormones dont necessarily need
to be released into circulation -> to have its intended effect. Hormones can also act in
a paracrine fashion (ie: on neighbouring cells).\ or in an autocrine fashion (ie: on the
cells in which theyre produced).
Key concept in endocrinology is -ve feedback loops, particularly
their role in the hypothalamicpituitary-axis (HPA axis). The
CNS controls the release of
hypothalamic and anterior
pituitary hormones which act as
trophic hormones on target
endocrine organs. Target
endocrine organs are stimulated
to release target hormones which
go on to have specific effects on
particular tissues and also
feedback to regulate the release
of trophic hormones from the
hypothalamus and anterior
pituitary.
Embryology Facts:
The thyroid gland is the first endocrine gland to develop at ~24 th day of gestation. The
foramen cecum and pyramidal lobe of the thyroid are normal remnants of the cranial
and caudal parts of the thyroglossal duct, respectively. In instances, with persistence of
additional thyroglossal duct the formation of its respective cyst, is possible. Based on
thyroid development, the most common site of ectopic thyroid tissue, is the tongue. Its
possible to differentiate a thyroglossal duct cyst (midline and will move with swallowing)
from a branchial cleft cyst (lateral neck, and wont move with swallowing) that results
from a persistent cervical sinus by location and exam.
Since cortisol is not produced in significant amounts until late gestation, premature
babies have low surfactant and are more susceptible to infantile respiratory distress
syndrome (RDS).
Chapter 8 (Continued) Anatomy:
Note the gross depiction of the adrenal gland (diagram above), and in the middle, we
see a representation of its cellular composition. Note the photomicrograph: at the
bottom, showing its zones.
The adrenal glands are located just above kidneys and are responsible for secreting
several critical hormones: mineralocorticoids (ie: aldosterone), glucocorticoids (ie:
cortisol), sex hormones and catecholamines. The outermost layer of the adrenal cortex
(which is just below the capsule), is the zona glomerulosa (which secretes
mineralocorticoids in response to stimulation by circulating angiotensin II). The middle
layer of cortex is the zona fasciculata (which releases glucocorticoids and sex
hormones, after being stimulated by circulating ACTH). ACTH also stimulates the zona
reticularis to secrete sex hormones.
Now lets talk about innermost region of gland, the medulla. The adrenal medulla is
Venous drainage from the adrenal gland is similar to that of the gonads.
Pituitary gland is situated in the sella turcica (which is a depression of the sphenoid
bone). The gland itself, has two unique parts: i) the posterior pituitary (or
One commonly tested concept: involves how to differentiate these hormones from each
other biochemically. -> Theres an alpha subunit common to: TSH, LH, FSH and hCG.
These hormones each have unique beta subunits (this second piece determines their
specificity).
Note the histological image above, of the pancreas. Associate endocrine function with
Islet of Langerhans (see in mid-right of image above).
Schematic diagram of islet. Islets are small clusters of cells, scattered throughout the
pancreas (most numerous in the tail of the pancreas). Beta cells produce insulin and are
located centrally within the islets while alpha cells produce glucagon and are located
peripherally. Delta cells produce somatostain and are interspersed throughout the islet.