The Endocrine System Mnemonics & Acronyms

The endocrine system consists of chemical transmitters called hormones and specialized cell clusters called glands.
The endocrine system consists of three major components: glands, hormones & Receptors.

Glands: which are specialized cell clusters or organs.
Hormones: which are chemical substances secreted by glands in response to stimulation.
Receptors: which are protein molecules that trigger specific physiologic changes in a target cell in response to hormonal stimulation.

Glands:

The major glands of the endocrine system are:
• Pituitary gland
• Thyroid gland
• Parathyroid glands
• Adrenal glands
• Pancreas
• Thymus
• Pineal gland
• Gonads (ovaries and testes).

Pituitary gland:

The pea-sized pituitary gland, located on the inferior aspect of the brain, is called the “master gland” because it regulates many key processes. It has two lobes: the posterior lobe, which stores and releases oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone produced by the hypothalamus, and the anterior lobe, which produces at least six hormones.
• Growth hormone (GH), or somatotropin
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), or thyrotropin
• Corticotrophin
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Prolactin.

Thyroid gland:

The thyroid gland lies directly below the larynx, partially in front of the trachea. Its two lateral lobes — one on either side of the trachea — join with a narrow tissue bridge, called the isthmus, to give the gland its butterfly shape. The two lobes of the thyroid function as one unit to produce two hormones:
• Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), collectively referred to as thyroid hormone, are the body’s major metabolic hormones.
• Calcitonin maintains the blood calcium level by inhibiting the release of calcium from bone.

Parathyroid glands:

Four parathyroid glands lie embedded on the posterior surface of the thyroid, one in each corner. Like the thyroid lobes, the parathyroid glands work together as a single gland, producing

Endocrine system components:

Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate body function. This illustration shows the location of the major endocrine glands.

Hormones:

Structurally, hormones can be classified into three types:
• Amines
• Polypeptides
• Steroids.