Introduction to Endocrinology
&
Endocrine Surgery
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 Simply put,
endocrinology is the study of endocrine glands. Endocrine
glands are a group of glands in the body which secrete hormones.
The purpose of the secreted hormones is to evoke a specific response in
other cells of the body which are located far away. As shown in the picture,
the hormones are secreted into the blood stream giving them access to all
other cells of the body.
Endocrine
surgery is the division of surgery which specializes in the surgical
treatment of endocrine diseases. Endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons
typically work closely together to provide the most advantageous care to
patients afflicted with endocrine disorders. Did you know that as of July
2002 there are only 176 active Endocrine Surgeons in the U.S.? To
be recognized as an endocrine surgeon (and a member of the American
Association for Endocrine Surgeons) you have to devote a major
portion of your surgical practice to endocrine disorders and have
performed at least 100 endocrine operations. There aren't too many
surgeons who specialize in endocrine surgery!
Examples of Endocrine
Glands and Their Hormones
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Thyroid Gland. Located in the front of
the neck. Secretes thyroid hormone.
 Purpose: Regulate the body's overall metabolism.
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Parathyroid Glands. There are 4 parathyroid
glands located behind the thyroid. Secretes parathyroid hormone. parathyroid,
parathyroid surgery, parathyroid hormone
Purpose: Absolute control over calcium
levels throughout the body.
parathyroid,
parathyroid surgery, parathyroid hormone
- Adrenal Glands. There are 2 adrenal glands
located on the top of each kidney. Inner part secretes adrenaline, outer
part secretes aldosterone and cortisol.
Purpose: Maintain salt levels in the blood,
maintain blood pressure, help control kidney function, control overall
fluid concentrations in the body.
parathyroid,
parathyroid surgery, parathyroid hormone
- Neuroendocrine Glands of the Pancreas.
Located deep in the abdomen behind the stomach, the pancreas is primarily
a digestive organ. It also contains extremely important endocrine cells
which secrete: insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and others.
Purpose: Control blood sugar and overall
glucose metabolism, help control other endocrine cells of the digestive tract. parathyroid,
parathyroid surgery, parathyroid hormone
-
Pituitary Gland. The pituitary
is located at the base of the brain. Secretes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone
(FSH), adrenocotropic hormone (ACTH),
and others. parathyroid, parathyroid surgery, parathyroid
hormone
Purpose: Control the activity of many
other endocrine glands (thyroid, ovaries, adrenal, etc.). parathyroid,
parathyroid surgery, parathyroid hormone
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