Endocrine

• What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

  Internal secretion into the bloodstream
• What do endocrine cells produce?

  Hormones that act on distant receptors
• What are the components involved in hormone storage?

  Vesicles and sacs of hormones
• Why do endocrine organs have a rich blood supply?

  To facilitate hormone transport in the body
• What distinguishes exocrine glands from endocrine glands?

  • Exocrine: Secretion into ducts
  • Endocrine: Secretion into bloodstream
• What is the function of the pancreas as an exocrine gland?

  Secretes amylase for digestion
• What is the anatomical position of the pituitary gland?

  Below the hypothalamus, suspended by the pituitary stalk
• What is the sella turcica?

  A depression in the sphenoid bone
• What structures are anterior and posterior to the pituitary gland?

  Anteriorly: sphenoid sinus; Posteriorly: dorsum sellae
• What hormones does the posterior pituitary secrete?

  ADH and oxytocin
• How does the anterior pituitary communicate with the hypothalamus?

  Via neurotransmitters in the hypophyseal portal system
• What is the blood supply to the anterior pituitary gland?

  Superior hypophyseal artery
• What is the primary function of the pancreas?

  Digestion and hormone secretion
• How many parts does the pancreas consist of?

  Five parts
• What are the parts of the pancreas?

  • Uncinate process
  • Head
  • Neck
  • Body
  • Tail
• What is the blood supply to the pancreas?

  Branches from the coeliac trunk
• What is the exocrine function of the pancreas?

  Secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum
• What do the α-cells of the pancreas secrete?

  Glucagon
• What do the β-cells of the pancreas secrete?

  Insulin
• What is the primary function of the thyroid gland?

  Regulates metabolism and body functions
• Where is the thyroid gland located?

  Between C5 and T1 vertebrae
• What are the functions of the thyroid gland?

  • Metabolism regulation
  • Breathing
  • Heart rate control
  • Nervous system function
  • Body weight management
  • Muscle strength
  • Menstrual cycle regulation
  • Body temperature control
  • Cholesterol level regulation
• What arteries supply the thyroid gland?

  Superior and inferior thyroid arteries
• What is unique about the thyroid gland's hormone storage?

  Hormones are stored in cavities surrounded by cells
• How does the thyroid gland's structure relate to its function?

  Its cavities allow for hormone storage and release
• What is the role of the sympathetic trunk in the thyroid gland?

  Provides some parasympathetic innervation
• What is the relationship between the thyroid gland and the trachea?

  Thyroid is anterior to the trachea
• What is the anatomical position of the thyroid gland?

  Anterior in the neck
• What is the significance of the isthmus in the thyroid gland?

  Connects the two lobes of the thyroid
• What is the clinical significance of pancreatic pain?

  Often felt in the back and abdomen
• What can lead to blockage of the common bile duct?

  Cancer of the head of the pancreas
• What is a congenital abnormality related to the pancreas?

  Annular pancreas
• What is the relationship between the pancreas and the spleen?

  Splenorenal ligament connects them
• What is the primary role of the islets of Langerhans?

  Secrete hormones like insulin and glucagon
• What is the function of somatostatin in the pancreas?

  Regulates hormone secretion
• What is the function of the PP or F cells in the pancreas?

  Secrete vasculoactive intestinal polypeptide
• What is the role of serous acini in the pancreas?

  Secrete digestive enzymes into ducts
• How does the pancreas function as a heterocrine gland?

  It has both endocrine and exocrine functions
• What is the major duodenal papilla?

  Entry point for pancreatic secretions
• What is the significance of the minor duodenal papilla?

  Secondary entry point for pancreatic secretions