ENDOCRINE GLANDS

GROUP MEMBERS
 Ts’epo Ts’enoli
 Neo Morapeli
 Reitumetse Mabeta
 Thato Sello
 Reitumetse Jane
 Nthabeleng Sefolo
 Relebohile Loke
 Objectives
AT THE END OF THIS PRESENTATION LEARNERS
SHOULD BE ABLE TO;
• Define adrenal glands and thymus glands
• Mention functions of each gland
• Mention parts of adrenal glands
 ADRENAL GLANDS
• They are small triangular shaped glands that
are located on top of each kidney
 FUNCTION
• They produce several hormones that are
essential for regulating many bodily functions
 PARTS OF ADRENAL GANDS
• 1.Adrenal cortex ;[outer part]-it produce three
groups of steroid hormone from cholestrol
• *cholestrol is a waxy,fat-like substance found
in the blood and all cells of the body
• Those groups are collectively called
adrenocorticoids
 GROUPS OF ADRENAL CORTEX
• 1.GLUCOCORTICOIDS;Is the main glucocorticoid but
small amount of corticosterone and cortisone are
produced.
• *They are essential for life,regulating metabolism
and responses to stress
• *secretion is controlled through a negative
feedback system involving the hypothalamus and
anterior pituitary
• *It is stimulated by ACTH from the anterior pituitary
and by sress
 Cont….
• Cortisol secretion is high between 4a.m and
8a.m and lowest between midnight and 3a.m
• *Clucocorticoid secretion increases in
response to stress including infection and
surgery
 Cont…
• 2.MINERALOCORTICOIDS [ALDOSTERONE]
• *It is involved in maintaining water and
electrolyte balance
• *It stimulates the reabsorbed of of sodium by
renal tubules and excretion of potassiumum in
the urine
• *Involved in regulation of blood volume and
blood pressure
 3.SEX HORMONE
• Secreted by the adrenal cortex mainly
androgen[male sex hormone]

*ADRENAL MEDULLA[inner part]-It is surrounded by

adrenal cortex .it develops from nervous tissue in the
embroyo and a part of sympathetic nervours
system .when the gland is stimulated by extensive
symphatic nerve supply it secretes the hormone
adrenaline and noradrenaline.
 THYMUS GLAND
• It lies in the upper part of the mediastinum
behind the strenum and extends into the root
of the neck
• Consist of 2 lobes joined by areolar
tissue .Lobes are enclosed by a fibrous capsule
which dips into their substance
 Thymosin
• Is a hormone secreted by thymus gland and is
involved in development of T-lymphocytes
that fight infection
 FUNCTIONS OF THYMUS GLAND
• They produce mature T-lymphocytes that can
distinguish ‘self’ tissue from foreign tissue.
• Provides T-lymphocytes with ability to react to
only one specific antigen.