¶ … Organ Systems: The Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland, according to Davies (2007), "is a pea-sized endocrine gland at the base of the brain," linked to the hypothalamus by the infundibulum. It is divided into several parts; i.e. The anterior lobe (front part) and the posterior lobe (back part). The anterior lobe secretes seven hormones that are essentially responsible for the regulation of a number of activities that take place in the human body - from reproduction to growth. Of the seven, five are tropic hormones (induce other glands to secrete hormones). The pituitary gland secretes only two hormones. The targets and effects of the nine are presented in the table below.
The Anterior Pituitary
Tropic Hormones
Hormone
Target
Function
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Adrenal glands
Involved in the stimulation of the cortex of the adrenal glands to secrete cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as metabolism. It is an anti-inflammatory agent, helping the body...
Nervous System: In order to achieve its function, the nervous system is divided into two major parts i.e. The Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The central nervous system is basically made up of the brain and spinal cord and has the main function of receiving information from the body and sending out instructions. While the brain is protected by the skull, the spinal cord is guarded
S. Congress that the prospects of stem cell research were so vast that it could touch all the realm of medicine (Connor 2000). An unlimited source of embryonic stem cells will solve the problem of shortage of transplants. Embryonic stem cells will save lives by curing generative diseases of the brain, hepatitis, diabetes, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis and diseases of the heart and kidneys. But current
This is called acute adrenal failure or an Addisonian crisis. It can be fatal if it isn't cared for. The indications may include: Pain in the abdomen, lower back or legs Severe vomiting and diarrhea Dehydration Low blood pressure Loss of consciousness (Addison's disease, 2010). Secondary adrenal deficiency takes place when the pituitary gland fails to manufacture adequate adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), a hormone that rouses the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. If ACTH production is too
(Sims & Haggerty, Description section, 2006, ¶ 2). A Palpable Goiter's Presence The journal article, "Hyperthyroidism" (N.d.), explains that a goiter denotes the enlargement of the thyroid gland. The majority of individuals with a goiter will not likely realize it, until the goiter grows to a visible or palpable size, as a goiter may develop to enormous size prior to producing symptoms of compression. Frequently, a low iodine supply in the
Nervous System The major structures of basal ganglia are pallidum, substantia nigra, subthalamic nucleus, and striatum. They are inappropriately named because the name striatum refers to all major components of basal ganglia. However it was used to refer to only one of the structures. The general function of basal ganglia is to take part in learning and motor control. Is called motor cortex, receives its primary input from the ganglia structures The
Neuroscience and Human Development One of the most noticeable aspects of human beings involves the changes in shape, size, form, and function of the individual from a newly formed fetus to a fully grown adult. As the single most successful organism on Earth, human beings have developed, through millions of years of evolutionary adaptations, integrated yet malleable systems involving biological, physiological, emotional and intellectual components. This paper will review some of
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