Endocrine System Essay

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AO9CTown 1 Medical Terminology AO9Chitown Medical Terminology Chi Town Medical Terminology Ms. Smith December 4th, 2013 AO9CTown 2 Endocrine System The endocrine system assists the physiologic balance that is necessary for our survival. The endocrine system uses both the circulatory system and hormones to regulate a number of body functions, of which include, metabolism, growth, reproduction, and water and electrolyte balances (Shiland, 2010, p. 568). The endocrine system is composed of several single and paired ductless glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. The hormones then regulate specific body functions by acting on target cells with receptor sites for those particular hormones only (Shiland, 2010, p. 568). The pituitary gland is also known as the hypohysis and is a tiny gland located behind the optic nerve in the cranial cavity. The pituitary glands role is controlling the functions of the other endocrine glands (Shiland, 2010, p. 568). The thyroid gland is a single organ located in the anterior part of the neck. The thyroid gland regulates the metabolism of the body and normal growth and development, as well as controls the amount of calcium deposited into bone (Shiland, 2010, p. 570). AO9CTown 3 The parathyroids are four small glands located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland in the neck. In response to low level of calcium they secrete parathyroid hormone (Shiland, 2010, p. 570). The adrenal glands also known as suprarenals, are paired one on top of each kidney (Shiland, 2010, p. 570). The pancreas is located inferior and posterior to the stomach and has both exocrine and endocrine functions. The exocrine function releases digestive enzymes through a duct into the small intestines. The endocrine function accomplished through islets of Langerhans, regulates the level of glucose in the blood by

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