Topic > The endocrine system in our body

The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce hormones to promote homeostasis in the body. The glands that make up the endocrine system are the hypothalamus, the pineal, the pituitary, the thyroid, the parathyroids, the thymus, the adrenal glands, the pancreas, the ovaries and the testes. The pituitary gland is divided into two parts which are the adenohypophysis and the neurohypophysis and connected to the hypothalamus. These two glands work together, the hypothalamus produces hormones for secretion and the adenohypophysis secretes the hormones produced and the neurohypophysis stores and releases two specific hormones called antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin. The pineal gland, located in the brain, produces the hormones melatonin and serotonin. The pineal glands create serotonin from the tryptophan we get from food and serotonin which turns into melatonin, which helps you sleep. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay The thyroid gland located in the neck regulates metabolism by releasing hormones. The two main hormones produced by the thyroid gland are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), produced using iodine. Parathyroid glands are found in the thyroid, there are approximately five parathyroids in a thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), and this hormone regulates calcium. The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. They secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine. The pancreas is located behind the stomach, and the part of the pancreas that produces hormones is called the islets of Langerhans. The hormones that come from the islets of Langerhans are glucagon, somatostatin, insulin and pancreatic polypeptide. Diabetes is a condition in which the body's ability to produce or use insulin is impaired. There are four types of diabetes: prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes is when someone has impaired glucose tolerance. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system attacking and destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use the insulin it produces. Gestational diabetes is less common and is said to be caused by insulin or hormone deficiency. Some symptoms that occur with diabetes are thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. The parts of the endocrine system affected by diabetes are the kidneys, liver and pancreas. Diabetes can affect the liver, increasing the risk of non-alcoholic liver disease, a condition in which alcohol produces fat that builds up in the liver. The effect that diabetes has on the kidneys is that excess blood glucose or blood pressure can cause kidney damage. The immune system destroys the beta cells in the islet of Langerhans, and the loss of these cells means your body can't produce insulin. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Treatments for diabetes consist of insulin and oral agents. Insulin is used to treat all types of diabetes. Insulin was originally produced by animals. Genetically modified insulin is now used instead of animal insulin. There are rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting forms of insulin. Other types of treatments include sulfonylureas, biguanides, alpha glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides, and thiazolidinediones.