Canadian Medical Guide > Anatomy > Endocrine System > Endocrine Glands Terms and Definitions

Endocrine Glands

Medical Definition:	Ductless glands that secrete substances which are released directly into the circulation and which influence metabolism and other body functions.
Guide Notes:	GEN: prefer specific; /physiol or /secret: consider also HORMONES; /surg: consider also ENDOCRINE SURGICAL PROCEDURES; endocr defic: probably a defic state from Cat C19: Manual 23.25.3; "endocrine cells" in Russian literature is probably ENDOCRINE CELLS O
Also Called:	Endocrine Effects

Endocrine Glands Categories.

	Adrenal Glands - Paired glands situated in the retroperitoneal tissues at the superior pole of each kidney.
	Parathyroid Glands - Two small paired endocrine glands in the region of the thyroid gland. They secrete parathyroid hormone and are concerned with the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.
	Pineal Gland - A light-sensitive neuroendocrine organ attached to the roof of the THIRD VENTRICLE of the brain. The pineal gland secretes MELATONIN, other biogenic amines, and neuropeptides.
	Pituitary Gland - A small, unpaired gland situated in the sella turcica tissue. It is connected to the hypothalamus by a short stalk.
	Pituitary-Adrenal System - The interactions between the anterior pituitary and adrenal glands, in which corticotropin (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex and adrenal cortical hormones suppress the production of corticotropin by the anterior pituitary.
	Thymus Gland - A single, unpaired primary lymphoid organ situated in the MEDIASTINUM, extending superiorly into the neck to the lower edge of the THYROID GLAND and inferiorly to the fourth costal cartilage. It is necessary for normal development of immunologic function early in life. By puberty, it begins to involute and much of the tissue is replaced by fat.
	Thyroid Gland - A highly vascular endocrine gland consisting of two lobes, one on either side of the trachea, joined by a narrow isthmus; it produces the thyroid hormones which are concerned in regulating the metabolic rate of the body.

Endocrine Glands Medical Definitions and Terms

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