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Inability to retain IVF Filing of fluids in the lungs Inability for o2 and CO2 exchange Lung Failure Hypoxia of the Heart Irritability and exhaustion of heart muscle Heart Failure Death
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Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): This stimulates the thyroid gland. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH): This stimulates the adrenal glands. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Promotes development of eggs within the ovaries and stimulates the secretion of oestroges (the primary female hormone). In men, FSH is important for sperm production in the testes.
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Luteinizing hormone (LH): Causes ovulation in women and prepares the uterus for pregnancy. Prolactin (PRL): Prolactin causes the development of breast tissue and the production of milk.
Growth hormone (GH): Also called Somatotropin, it causes growth in almost all tissues in the body that are capable of growing. It promotes both an increase in cell size, and cell number. Those hormones released from the posterior pituitary are:
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Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH): ADH causes the kidneys to keep more water in the body. Oxytocin: This causes contractions in the uterus of a pregnant woman and also causes the release of milk from the breast
The thymus
The thymus is located in the lower part of the neck, and the front part of the upper chest. After puberty it is mostly replaced by fat. While the thymus does not play a big role, it does produce several hormones important in the development and maintenance of a normal immune system.
The adrenal glands (also known as the suprarenal glands) are yellow, pyramid-shaped glands located at the top of the kidneys. They usually weigh roughly 7.5g and are heavier in men than women. Each adrenal gland has two parts: an adrenal medulla (inside), and an adrenal cortex (outside). The adrenal cortex is the outer layer and secretes corticosteroids and male sex hormones which are derived from cholesterol and various other fats, hence their yellowish colour. It is divided into three distinct zones, each producing different hormones. The adrenal medulla is reddish-brown and the cells here are like nerve cells Image courtesy of Blausen Medical Communications. and are activated by the nervous system. The cell types of this region are are known as pheochromocytes, or chromaffin cells.
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Three major types of hormones are released from the adrenal cortex. These are mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and a small amount of sex hormones. Mineralocorticoids are called as such due to their effects on the electrolytes (or minerals) of the body, as well as the level of water. Glucocorticoids control sugar (glucose) levels. There are two horomes produced in the cortex of great importance and they are aldosterone, the major mineralocorticoid and cortisol, the major glucocorticoid. Cortisol Cortisol is a 'stress hormone' and is released in times when the body needs increased energy. It is stimulated for release by Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), mentioned earlier as being released from the pituitary gland which can be caused by any stressful event. Cortisol causes the liver to release more sugar, causes breakdown of muscle and fat for energy and also lowers the amount of energy used by the cells of the body. It is also anti-inflammatory and lowers the body's ability to protect itself. Aldosterone Aldosterone causes the body to try and keep water and sodium in the body by acting on the kidney.
The adrenal medulla (the centre) secretes adrenaline, and noradrenaline. The secretion of these hormones is because of the need for quick bursts of energy. Their secretion triggers cellular energy use and allows access to the body's energy reserves. These effects are very rapid and occur within roughly thirty seconds, and staying there for several minutes. The circulating adrenaline also causes constriction of virtually every vessel in the body (causing your hands to go pale), increased activity of the heart (making it beat faster), inhibition of the gastrointestinal tract (giving you butterflies) and dilation of the pupils of the eyes.
The pancreas
The pancreas is a pinkish-grey organ that lies behind to the stomach. The organ is approximately 15cm in length with a long, slender body connecting the head and tail segments. The endocrine pancreas is separate from the exocrine pancreas which is discussed under the gastrointestinal section. The endocrine pancreas is made up of small clumps of cells within the pancreas, called pancreatic islets, or the islets of Langerhans. These account for only 1% of the pancreatic mass. It is composed of three distinct cell types each producing a different hormone. The two important hormones are: Glucagon Secretion of glucagon is controlled by the level of blood sugar, being released when levels are too low. This greatly increases the output of sugar from the liver and returns blood sugar levels to normal. Insulin Insulin is designed to lower blood sugar levels when they become too high and is released in periods when there is a lot of sugar available, like after a meal. A lack of insulin means the body has to use fat for metabolism rather than sugar and can lead to a condition known as ketoacidosis.
Image courtesy of Blausen Medical Communications. Contact Andrew Walbank.