Question

Explain the significance of endocrine glands in human behaviour.

State the functions of any five endocrine glands in detail.

Answer 1

Endocrine glands are ductless glands which secrete chemical substances called hormones directly into the bloodstream. The main endocrine glands are the Pituitary, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Adrenals, Pancreas, Gonads Pineal gland, and Thymus. Over secretion or under secretion of any gland can cause serious problems for the person. e.g., hyposecretion of insulin by the pancreas can result in diabetes. Endocrine glands regulate various bodily activities, control physical - physiological growth as well as emotional and cognitive development.

1. Pituitary gland - The pituitary gland or master gland is located at the base of the brain. It consists of the anterior lobe and posterior lobe. The anterior lobe secretes growth hormone (Which helps in bodily growth) ACTH (Which controls secretion of adrenal glands and prolactin for the secretion of breast milk). If there is hypersecretion of growth hormone it results in gigantism while under the section of growth hormone results in dwarfism.
   The posterior lobe of the pituitary secretes
   a. Oxytocin related with feelings of pleasure.
   b. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) which is responsible for the reabsorption of water by the kidneys.
   c. Pituitrin which affects the functioning of smooth muscles.
   d. T.T.H Which controls the secretion by the thyroid gland.
2. Adrenal gland - The two adrenal glands lie on top of the kidney. The two parts of the glands are adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex. Adrenal cortex secretes cortisone which helps in the regulation of sodium-potassium. Excess secretion of cortisone may make females more masculine looking while hyposecretion may make the person lazy and to lose weight. Adrenal medulla secretes adrenalin and noradrenalin which are important in the emotional experience of fear and anger.
3. Thyroid gland - It is located in the neck. It secretes thyroxin which determines the general level of body metabolism. Hyposecretion of thyroxin results in Cretinism in children and Myxedema in adults. Hypersecretion causes Grave's disease.
4. Parathyroid gland - They are located below the thyroid gland. They secrete parathyroxin. Its function is to maintain the calcium - phosphate balance in the body. Oversecretion causes the person nausea/vomiting, sleepiness while under secretion causes the person to feel weak, lack energy, experience muscle cramps, and spasms.
5. Pancreas - It secretes insulin and glycogen which maintains blood sugar level. Hypersecretion of insulin results in hyperglycemia while hyposecretion results in diabetes.