One of the most important values in the life of the body are hormones. These are the so-called biological substances. Their formation and production is the main task that the glands of human internal secretion perform. Endocrine glands do not have excretory ducts. The hormones they produce enter the bloodstream and then spread throughout the body, fulfilling its function. There are also mixed and exocrine glands. Mixed include the sex glands. Hormones that produce the endocrine glands of a person have the ability to produce a certain effect. Some can accelerate growth, others are able to make changes in metabolic processes.
Thus, in no case should one downplay their importance.
Control mechanisms
But there must be something that regulates their work. And there is such an organ. All glands are controlled by the principle of feedback due to the hypothalamic-pituitary system. The hypothalamus is the highest center of regulation that controls all the endocrine glands. He has an effect on them indirectly through the pituitary gland or through the nervous system. The pituitary gland is a brain appendage that, in response to signals from the hypothalamus, is able to produce hormones that affect growth, reproductive function, and metabolism. In addition to the pituitary gland, there are other endocrine glands in the human body.
The thyroid gland produces the
hormone thyroxine. It has a stimulating effect on oxidative processes, regulates protein, fat, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism, and is also able to affect the central nervous system. Inadequate gland function in children can lead to the development of such an unpleasant ailment as cretinism. In an adult, a lack of thyroid hormones causes myxedema.
The endocrine glands have the ability to have a negative effect in the event of their excessive functioning. So, hyperthyroidism leads to a base disease.
Other glands
There are other glands of internal secretion of a person:
- Timus. It produces thymosin, which affects calcium metabolism and neuromuscular transmission.
- Epiphysis. The main hormone of this gland is melatonin. Its function is to inhibit gonadotropic hormones.
- Adrenal glands. 4 types of hormones are produced : corticosterone, adrenaline, norepinephrine, and also sex hormones. Corticosterone affects most metabolic processes. Norepinephrine is a mediator of excitation in synapses, and adrenaline acts almost the same as the sympathetic nervous system.
- The pancreas. Its main hormones are glucagon and insulin. Glucagon affects the conversion of glycogen to glucose, and insulin interacts with cell membranes, increasing their permeability to glucose.
As you can see, the endocrine glands of a person are extremely important. That is why it is necessary to monitor your condition, and at the first suspicion of changes in the hormonal background, seek help from a specialist.