The Endocrine System of the Human Body - Essay Example

The pituitary gland is referred to as the “master gland” because it highly influences other body organs and is responsible for producing (1) prolactin in lactating women, (2) growth hormone, (3) adrenocorticotropin, (4) thyroid-stimulating hormone, (5) luteinizing hormone, (6) follicle-stimulating hormone, (7) oxytocin, and (8) antidiuretic hormone (“The Endocrine”). These hormones produced by the pituitary gland are in turn in charge of many bodily functions. The hypothalamus acts to start and stop the production of pituitary hormones, according to the body’s needs.

The thymus is needed for normal immune functions; while the pineal gland is said to influence sleep patterns by producing melatonin. Both testes and ovaries are responsible for the sexual traits of men and women, respectively, as the testes produce testosterone and ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. The thyroid gland, important in metabolism, produces tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Adrenal glands are made up of the adrenal cortex and medulla, where the former produces hormones essential for life, like glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. The parathyroid glands, on the other hand, are tasked with calcium and phosphorus levels regulation; and the pancreas is vital for insulin and glucagon production to control serum glucose levels.

Loss of homeostasis in the endocrine system is brought about by hormonal imbalance, either due to too much or too much meager production. There may also be problems with hormonal receptors or in the organs themselves. There are many disorders or conditions resulting from a disruption in the system, some of which are acromegaly, gigantism, dwarfism, diabetes, menstrual irregularities, and thyroid problems.

Causes for such conditions vary widely, according to which organ, gland, or hormone is affected. Similarly, the treatment of such disorders differs extensively, still depending on its nature. Treatments may be hormonal replacement or surgery in cases of tumors, and these management interventions are specific to the disorder. For instance, type 1 diabetes almost always involves daily insulin injection, while type 2 requires oral medications if blood glucose is not controlled by exercise programs (Ferry Jr. 7). Similarly, growth failure in children is treated with growth hormone (somatotropin or somatropin) to replace its lack in the body (Kemp 7). On the other hand, surgery is usually the treatment of choice in cases of hyperparathyroidism, with medications prescribed by the physician if needed by the client.

The endocrine system is likened to a factory that has specific functions and controls. When a certain part or mechanism in the system is damaged, disorders according to the affected areas occur. Causes and treatment of endocrine disorders vary, depending largely on the specific disrupted factor.