ENDOCRINE GLANDS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Name the four layers of the adrenal gland and describe their cellular organization.
2. Describe the adrenal blood supply.
3. Name the main hormones produced in the adrenal gland and briefly describe their function and
regulation.
4. Describe the histological organization of the thyroid gland.
5. Identify two cell types in the thyroid gland, name the hormones they produce and briefly describe their
functions.
6. Describe the organization and cell types of the parathyroid gland.
7. Compare the functions of PTH to calcitonin.
8. Describe the function of pinealocytes of the pineal gland.
9. Outline the general steps involved in the regulation of melatonin secretion.
10. Name the two divisions of the pituitary gland, compare their embryological origin, and list their main
structural components.
11. Describe the blood supply of the pituitary gland.
12. Name the five main cell types in the pars distalis, list the hormones they secrete and state their target
organs.
13. Name the two main hormones released at the pars nervosa and state their origin, and their target organs.
14. Compare the histological appearance of the pars distalis and pars nervosa.
15. Explain the relationship between hypothalamic nuclei and pituitary hormone release.
16. Predict the symptoms associated with overproduction of the hormones discussed.
2
ENDOCRINE HORMONES
Endocrine glands lack ducts, secrete Endocrine
hormones (steroid or protein) into Cells
the circulation.

Target cells at distant sites are

affected by receptor-mediated
signaling.
Hormones
Bloodstream
Protein hormone Steroid hormone

Target
cells

Transmembrane Intracellular
receptor receptor
ENDOCRINE GLANDS
Pituitary Gland
Pineal Gland

Islets of Thyroid Gland

Langerhans in Parathyroid Gland
Pancreas
Adrenal Gland
Entero-
Endocrine
Ovaries
Cells

Cells in
various Testes
organs
Major Endocrine
Many organs have Glands
hormone-secreting
cells
ADRENAL GLANDS

Cortex Medulla: Cathecholamines

Zona Reticularis:
Gonadocorticoids

Zona Fasciculata:
Glucocorticoids

Zona Glomerulosa:
Mineralocorticoids
 Cortex: Zonula Glomerulosa
Suprarenal
Artery
Mineralocorticoids –
Aldosterone: Regulated by ACTH
and Angiotensin II

Cortex: Zonula Fasciculata

Glucocorticoids - Cortisol:
Adreno-cortical
Sinusoid
Regulated by ACTH

Medullary
Arteriole Cortex: Zonula Reticularis

Gonadocorticoids -
Androgens: Regulated by
ACTH
Medulla

Cathecolamines – Epinephrine
Central Adreno- & Norepinephrine: Regulated
medullary Vein
by sympathetic neurons
 STEROID-SECRETING CELLS
The three regions of the adrenal cortex consist of steroid-secreting cells, all of which
share similar features typical of cells with this function.

Lipid Droplets: Mitochondria: Energy

Cholesterol-based Requirement
hormones

Extensive sER: Steroid Euchromatic Nucleus:

Hormone Synthesis Secretory Cells
Appearance: Outermost light eosinophilic cells
arranged into ovoid glomerular-like clusters,
adjacent to capsule.
Main hormone secreted: Aldosterone
(Mineralocorticoids)
Hormone function: Regulates nephron DCT, ion
reabsorption. (homeostasis)
Regulated by: ACTH, Angiotensin II

ZONA GLOMERULOSA
 Cushing Syndrome, Addison’s Disease

Appearance: “Foamy” cells arranged into

straight cords, make up 80% of cortex.
Main hormone secreted: Cortisol
(Glucocorticoids)
Hormone function: Promote normal
metabolism, particularly carbohydrate.
Regulated by: ACTH

ZONA FASCICULATA
Appearance: Eosinophilic cells arranged into
anastomosing reticular-like network.
Main hormone secreted: Androgens - DHEA
(Gonadocorticoids)
Hormone function: Weak androgens in blood
circulation of males and females.
Regulated by: ACTH

ZONA RETICULARIS
 MEDULLA: CHROMAFFIN CELLS
Chromaffin cells are modified sympathetic postganglionic neurons derived from neural
crest, secrete norepinephrine or epinephrine following nervous input.

Secretory Granules
(Protein Hormones)

20% of chromaffin
cells secrete 80% of chromaffin
Norepinephrine cells secrete
Epinephrine

Pheochromocytoma
 MEDULLA
Appearance: Innermost network of light
eosinophilic (often light purple) chromaffin cells,
site of medullary vein drainage.
Main hormone secreted: Norepinephrine and
epinephrine (Noradrenaline/Adrenaline)
Hormone function: Fight or flight response
Regulated by: Sympathetic neurons
THYROID & PARATHYROID GLANDS
1. Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4), Calcitonin
2. Parathyroid Hormone

180 o

Laryngeal Cartilage

2. Parathyroid

1. Thyroid

Esophagus

Trachea
Goiter, Hyper/Hypothyroidism
 THYROID GLAND
In the thyroid gland follicular
epithelial cells secrete thyroid
hormones (T3 or T4) stored as colloid
in the thyroid follicles.
Thyroid
Follicle Thyroid hormones (T3 & T4)
regulate cell metabolism and heat
Capillaries production. Regulated by TSH
Parafollicular
Cells Parafollicular cells secrete
Resorption calcitonin: lowers blood calcium.
Droplets Colloid

Follicular Epithelium

Grave’s Disease
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
 THYROID HORMONE SYNTHESIS
3-4. Iodination of Iodine Deficiency
1. Synthesis of
thyroglobulin, thyroglobulin and
secreted to colloid T3/4 formation Colloid

Colloid

5. Resorption of
T3/T4 from colloid

6. Release of T3
2. Pumps (triiodo) and T4
transport (tetraiodo) into the
iodide circulation

Capillaries Follicular Epithelial Cells

 Secretory granules
(Calcitonin) stored
intracellularly

Follicular
Epithelium

Colloid

CALCITONIN: PARAFOLLICULAR CELLS

 PARATHYROID GLANDS
Capillaries

Chief (Principal) Cells: Oxyphil Cells:

Secrete PTH Function Unknown

Thyroid Follicles
 Osteoporosis
CALCIUM REGULATION
Thyroid Follicle
Parathyroid Gland

Parafollicular Cell Chief Cells

Parathyroid Hormone

Calcitonin

Inactive Osteoclast – Less Blood Ca2+ Active Osteoclast – More Blood Ca2+

Parafollicular cells secrete calcitonin which Chief cells secrete PTH which stimulates bone
inhibits bone resorption by osteoclasts resorption by osteoclasts

The number of osteoclasts actively resorbing bone and releasing calcium into the circulation is
regulated by Calcitonin and Parathyroid Hormone (PTH). PTH also stimulates calcium
absorption in kidneys and intestines (synthesis of vitamin D).
 PINEAL GLAND
Formed from neuroepithelial invagination of the diencephalon, attached near the
center of the brain (brain sand, radiology marker).
Secretes melatonin: regulator of circadian rhythm.

Brain Sand

Hypothalamus Pineal Gland

Pituitary Gland

Pineal: Pine
Cone Shape
 PINEAL GLAND

Brain Sand

Brain Sand: (Corpora Arenacea)

Calcified concretions of carrier proteins

Pinealocytes

Glial Cells
Cords of Pinealocytes (secrete melatonin) (5% of gland)
located alongside capillaries
 MELATONIN: CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS
1-2. Light signals from retina are Pinealocytes
transmitted via spinal neural tracts

5 1

5
3-4. Signals are sent to pineal gland
via sympathetic fibers that
stimulate pinealocytes.
2
4
3 5. Darkness stimulates melatonin production
and light suppresses it.
Melatonin is transported along cytoplasmic
processes which terminate along capillaries
 Floor of Diencephalon
Nervous tissue

Roof of mouth
Epithelial cells

Rathke’s
Pouch

Pars Tuberalis
Pars Nervosa

Pars Intermedia
Pars Distalis
Also called the “Hypophysis”

PITUITARY GLAND
 Paraventricular
Hypothalamus nucleus

Supraoptic
nucleus
Hypothalamo-
Hypophysiotropic
nuclei

Median Eminence Optic Chiasma

Infundibulum
Infundibular Process
Pars Tuberalis

Neurohypophysis: Posterior Adenohypophysis:

Lobe of Pituitary Anterior Lobe of Pituitary

Pars Nervosa

Pars Intermedia Pars Distalis

 BLOOD SUPPLY
Hypothalamus

Superior Hypophysial
Artery
Primary capillary plexus
in the Median Eminence

Capillary plexus of Secondary capillary plexus

the Pars Nervosa in the Pars Distalis

Hypothalamohypophysial
Pars Nervosa Portal System

Inferior Hypophysial
Artery Pars Distalis
 Paraventricular nucleus

Supraoptic nucleus

Hypothalamo-
Hypophysiotropic
nuclei Releasing and Inhibitory Hormones
from Hypothalamic axons: Carried by
blood vessels to Pars Distalis

Inferior Hypophysial
Artery Superior Hypophysial
Artery

Hormones released by
Axons from the cells of Pars Distalis:
hypothalamus release ACTH
hormones (Oxytocin TSH
and ADH) into the FSH
capillaries of the Pars LH
Nervosa. Prolactin
GH
 PITUITARY GLAND

3
1
2
2. Pars Intermedia

2 Colloid-filled Follicles

Axons, Glial Cells Endocrine Epithelial Cells

1. Neurohypophysis 3. Adenohypophysis
(Posterior Lobe of Pituitary) (Anterior Lobe of Pituitary)
• Mainly Pars Nervosa • Mainly Pars Distalis
ADENOHYPOPHYSIS
Endocrine cells in the
Adenohypophysis have secretory
vesicles that contain hormones.
?
Chromophobes, Basophils,
Acidophils: Cells can be classified
according to basic histological
appearance (does not describe
Chromophobes
specific hormonal function)

Basophils Five functionally different types of

cells: distinguished only by special
Chromophils techniques.
Basophilic or acidophilic appearance
Acidophils depends on hormone stored/secreted.

Cord-like networks of cells, with no

particular distribution of specific cell
types.
 1 CELLS & HORMONES
ADENOHYPOPHYSIS
3 FSH: Follicle Stimulating Hormone
LH: Luteinizing Hormone
2 1. Chromophobes TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
ACTH: Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone
GH: Growth Hormone
2. Basophils

Gonadotrophs Thyrotrophs Corticotrophs

FSH TSH ACTH

LH

3. Acidophils

Somatotrophs Mammotrophs

GH Prolactin
Pituitary Adenoma
Neurohypophysis
Hormones PITUITARY: “MASTER” GLAND
ADH

Oxytocin
ACTH

TSH

Acidophils Basophils
FSH
GH Prolactin
LH

Adenohypophysis
Hormones
 REGULATORY FEEDBACK LOOPS
INTEREST-ONLY SLIDE
Hypothalamo- The circulating levels of a specific secretory product of a target organ,
Hypophysiotropic may act directly on the cells of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland
nuclei [4] and/or the hypothalamus [3] to regulate the secretion of
hypothalamic releasing hormones
3. T3 TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone)

Example: TRH – TSH – T3/T4 Loop

Basophilic [1]. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

4. T3
Thyrotrophs induces the production of T3 and T4 by
the thyroid gland.
1. TSH
[2]. Thyroid hormones (T3/4) regulate
metabolic rates.

[3]. Increased T3 levels regulate the

secretion of TRH by cells in the
2. T3 and T4 hypothalamus and [4]. also directly
Thyroid Gland
regulate TSH secretion by basophilic
Peripheral Tissues
thryrotrophs in the pituitary gland.
 NEUROHYPOPHYSIS
Hypothalamus Paraventricular Nucleus

Supraoptic Nucleus

Optic Chiasma

Neurohypophysis
Hypothalamoneurohypophysial tract
(Posterior Lobe of Pituitary)

Pars Nervosa

Adenohypophysis
Inferior (Anterior Lobe of Pituitary)
hypophysial artery
 Capillary
PARS NERVOSA
The Pars Nervosa is a storage and release site for
neurosecretions (from hypothalamic nuclei):
Unmyelinated axons (terminating at capillaries)
Axonal bulges: Herring Bodies
Pituicytes (Glial cells)

Neuropil

Herring Bodies

Pituicytes
 PARS NERVOSA
Neuroendocrine Cell
in Hypothalamic Nuclei

Pituicytes
Capillary
Herring Bodies
*

Herring bodies are axonal

*Axon terminal at bulges containing hormones
capillaries within the (ADH or Oxytocin) found only
Pars Nervosa in the pars nervosa.
HORMONES RELEASED IN PARS NERVOSA

Supraoptic Nucleus Paraventricular Nucleus

PRIMARILY:
PRIMARILY:
Antidiuretic Hormone
Oxytocin
(ADH/Vasopressin)

Vasoconstriction Increase of water Contraction of the Contraction of

increases blood permeability in myometrium during myoepithelial cells in
pressure collecting ducts labor mammary gland
 COMPARE AND CONTRAST
INDEPENDENT STUDY

Layers of the Adrenal Thyroid and Parathyroid Pineal Gland vs. Pars
Gland: Zona glomerulosa, Gland: Thyroid Follicles, Nervosa: Brain Sand,
fasciculata, reticularis. Chief and Oxyphil Cells Herring Bodies
 CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
INDEPENDENT STUDY

GRAVE’S DISEASE VS.

PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA PITUITARY ADENOMA
HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE
 PRACTICE QUESTIONS
INDEPENDENT STUDY

A pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal medulla resulting in

excessive hormone production. Which of the following symptoms would
most likely be observed in the presence of this tumor?

A. Excretion of excessive amounts of dilute urine

B. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and loss of libido
C. Hypercalcemia, decalcification of bones, and kidney stones
D. Weight gain, constipation, fatigue, and lethargy
E. Weight loss, anxiety, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, and
headaches
 PRACTICE QUESTIONS
INDEPENDENT STUDY
What is the name of the homogenously stained substance and what does it
store?
 RELEVANT SLIDES
INDEPENDENT STUDY
UWO Virtual Slide Box: http://slides.uwo.ca/
Histology Guide Virtual Slide Box: http://www.histologyguide.com/
Adrenal Glands
• http://slides.uwo.ca/Original%20scans/Endocrine%20System%20-%20Part%201/96%20-%20Adrenal-sm
.html
• http://134.84.138.9/slideview/MH-155a-adrenal/13-slide-1.html?x=76734&y=12421&z=20.8&page=1
Thyroid Gland
• http://slides.uwo.ca/Original%20scans/Endocrine%20System%20-%20Part%201/57%20-%20Thyroid%2
0-%20parathyroid%20-%201-sm.html
• http://134.84.138.9/slideview/MH-151-thyroid/13-slide-1.html?x=0&y=0&z=-1&page=1
Parathyroid Glands
• http://slides.uwo.ca/Original%20scans/Endocrine%20System%20-%20Part%201/57%20-%20Thyroid%2
0-%20parathyroid%20-%202-sm.html
• http://134.84.138.9/slideview/MH-154-parathyroid/13-slide-1.html?x=0&y=0&z=-1&page=1
Pineal Gland
• http://slides.uwo.ca/Original%20scans/Endocrine%20System%20-%20Part%202/53%20-%20Pineal%20g
land-sm.html
Pituitary Gland
• http://slides.uwo.ca/Original%20scans/Endocrine%20System%20-%20Part%202/54%20-%20Pituitary%2
0human-sm.html
• http://134.84.138.9/slideview/MH-149-pituitary/13-slide-1.html?x=0&y=0&z=-1&page=1