Pituitary and Thyroid gland

1. Exocrine gland and
endocrine gland
Dr. P. Suganya
Assistant Professor
Department of Biotechnology
Sri Kaliswari College (Autonomous), Sivakasi

2. Exocrine glands
• The exocrine gland sends their
secretions through ducts directly to
target organs of the body.
• Ex. Salivary gland, pancreas, etc

3. Endocrine glands
• Endocrine glands are the ductless
glands of the endocrine system that
secrete their products, hormones
directly into the blood.
• Ex. Thyroid, pituitary gland.etc.

4. • The human body has many glands which
produce many secretions, such as sweat,
saliva, oil and hormones. Anatomically,
these glands are broadly classified into two
types based on the presence or absence of
ducts. Endocrine glands are the glands that
secrete hormones without ducts, while
exocrine glands secrete hormones through
ducts.

5. Differences between exocrine and
endocrine glands
Endocrine Glands Exocrine Glands
Ducts
Endocrine glands do NOT have ducts Exocrine glands have ducts
Secretory Products
Hormones Sweat, enzymes, mucus, sebum
Route of Secretion
Secretory products released directly
into the bloodstream, eventually
reaching the target organ.
Secretory products are released to an
internal organ or the external surface
through a duct.
Examples
Thyroid glands, parathyroid glands,
pituitary glands, adrenal glands.
Salivary glands, pancreas, liver,
Brunner’s glands, oesophagal glands

7. ? pituitary gland
• the pituitary gland is a part of your endocrine system.
• Its main function is to secrete hormones into your bloodstream.
• These hormones can affect other organs and glands, especially your:
• thyroid
• reproductive organs
• Adrenal glands
• The pituitary gland is sometimes
• called the master gland.

8. Pituitary gland anatomy and
function
• The pituitary gland is small and oval-shaped.
• It’s located behind your nose, near the underside of your
brain.
• It’s attached to the hypothalamus by a stalklike
structure.
• The hypothalamus is a small area of your brain.
• It’s very important in controlling the balance of your
bodily functions.
• It controls the release of hormones from the pituitary
gland.
• The pituitary gland can be divided into two different
parts: the anterior and posterior lobes.

9. Anterior lobe
• The anterior lobe of your pituitary gland is made up
of several different types of cells that produce and
release different types of hormones, including:
• Growth hormone. Growth hormone regulates
growth and physical development. It can stimulate
growth in almost all of your tissues. Its primary
targets are bones and muscles.
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone. This
hormone activates your thyroid to release thyroid
hormones. Your thyroid gland and the hormones it
produces are crucial for metabolism.
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone. This
hormone stimulates your adrenal glands to produce
cortisol and other hormones.

10. • Follicle-stimulating hormone. Follicle-stimulating
hormone is involved with estrogen secretion and the
growth of egg cells in women. It’s also important for
sperm cell production in men.
• Luteinizing hormone. Luteinizing hormone is involved
in the production of estrogen in women and testosterone
in men.
• Prolactin. Prolactin helps women who are breastfeeding
produce milk.
• Endorphins. Endorphins have pain-relieving properties
and are thought to be connected to the “pleasure centers”
of the brain.
• Enkephalins. Enkephalins are closely related to
endorphins and have similar pain-relieving effects.
• Beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. This hormone
helps to stimulate increased pigmentation of your skin in
response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

11. Posterior lobe
• The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland also
secretes hormones. These hormones are usually
produced in your hypothalamus and stored in the
posterior lobe until they’re released.
• Hormones stored in the posterior lobe include:
• Vasopressin. This is also called antidiuretic
hormone. It helps your body conserve water and
prevent dehydration.
• Oxytocin. This hormone stimulates the release of
breast milk. It also stimulates contractions of the
uterus during labor.

12. Pituitary gland conditions
• Pituitary tumors. Pituitary tumors are usually
noncancerous. However, they often interfere with the
release of hormones. They can also press against other
areas of your brain, leading to vision problems or
headaches.
• Hypopituitarism. This condition causes your pituitary
gland to produce very little or none of one or more of its
hormones. This can affect things like growth or
reproductive system function.
• Acromegaly. In this condition, your pituitary gland
produces too much growth hormone. This can lead to
excessive growth, especially of your hands and feet. It’s
often associated with pituitary tumors.

13. Symptoms
• headaches
• weakness or fatigue
• high blood pressure
• unexplained weight gain
• trouble sleeping
• changes in psychological state, including mood
swings or depression
• memory loss
• reproductive issues, including infertility

14. Tips for pituitary gland health
Eat a balanced, healthy diet
• eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are
great sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals
• choosing good sources of fats, such as those that
contain omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated
fats
• opting for whole grains over refined grains
• reducing sodium intake
• avoiding refined sugars
• drinking at least four to six cups of water a day
• Reduce stress and depression

15. Thyroid gland

16. Thyroid gland
• Largest gland in the body
• Location : in the neckinferior the larynx and
spanning over the ventral surface of trachea
• Function:
– Secretion of thyroxin and triiodothyronine
– Secretion of calcitonin

17. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits
low on the front of the neck.
The thyroid has two side lobes, connected by a
bridge (isthmus) in the middle.
When the thyroid is its normal size, you can’t feel it.
Brownish-red in color, the thyroid is rich with
blood vessels.
The thyroid secretes several hormones, collectively
called thyroid hormones.
• The main hormone is thyroxine, also called T4.
• Thyroid hormones act throughout the body,
influencing metabolism, growth and development,
and body temperature
• During infancy and childhood, adequate thyroid
hormone is crucial for brain development.

20. Thyroid Conditions
• Goiter: A general term for thyroid swelling. Goiters can be harmless, or can
represent iodine deficiency or a condition associated with thyroid
inflammation called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
• Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid, usually from a viral infection or
autoimmune condition. Thyroiditis can be painful, or have no symptoms at
all.
• Hyperthyroidism: Excessive thyroid hormone production. Hyperthyroidism
is most often caused by Graves disease or an overactive thyroid nodule.
• Hypothyroidism: Low production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid damage
caused by autoimmune disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism
.
• Graves disease: An autoimmune condition in which the thyroid is
overstimulated, causing hyperthyroidism.
• Thyroid cancer: An uncommon form of cancer, thyroid cancer is usually
curable. Surgery, radiation, and hormone treatments may be used to treat
thyroid cancer.
• Thyroid nodule: A small abnormal mass or lump in the thyroid gland.
Thyroid nodules are extremely common. Few are cancerous. They may
secrete excess hormones, causing hyperthyroidism, or cause no problems.
• Thyroid storm: A rare form of hyperthyroidism in which extremely high
thyroid hormone levels cause severe illness.

21. Thyroid Treatments
• Thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy): A surgeon removes all or part of
the thyroid in an operation. Thyroidectomy is performed for thyroid
cancer, goiter, or hyperthyroidism.
• Antithyroid medications: Drugs can slow down the overproduction of
thyroid hormone in hyperthyroidism. Two common antithyroid
medicines are methimazole and propylthiouracil.
• Radioactive iodine: Iodine with radioactivity that can be used in low
doses to test the thyroid gland or destroy an overactive gland. Large
doses can be used to destroy cancerous tissue.
• External radiation: A beam of radiation is directed at the thyroid, on
multiple appointments. The high-energy rays help kill thyroid cancer
cells.
• Thyroid hormone pills: Daily treatment that replaces the amount of
thyroid hormone you can no longer make. Thyroid hormone pills
treat hypothyroidism, and are also used to help prevent thyroid
cancer from coming back after treatment.
• Recombinant human TSH: Injecting this thyroid-stimulating agent
can make thyroid cancer show up more clearly on imaging tests.