John R. Hoffman is a Professor of Biology, public speaker and a scientist examining the recovery of the nervous system after injury. Since 2006 he has written several unpublished manuscripts and he is currently working on the first Nathaniel Smythe novel and short story collection. He spends his spare time with his family and running.

15. Endocrine System

Specific Objectives:

At the end of this lecture, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe the similarities and differences between endocrine and exocrine glands.
  2. Describe the role of hormones in the body, including the difference between peptide and steroid hormones.
  3. Draw and describe the mechanism of control of the pituitary, including hypothalamus, pituitary, and target organ.
  4. Compare and contrast the adenohypophysis and the neurohypophysis, including anatomical structures, cell types, secretory products (and action of secretory products).
  5. Describe the cell types, action, and identifying characteristics of the Pineal body.
  6. Identify the two main cell types found within the thyroid gland, include their histological characteristics and secretory product.
  7. Describe how triiodothyronine is synthesized and released by thyroid follicular cells.
  8. Identify the two main cell types found within the parathyroid gland, include their histological characteristics and secretory product.
  9. Describe the inter-relationship between parathyroid hormone and calcitonin in the regulation of plasma calcium levels.
  10. Compare and contrast the cells of the adrenal gland, include histological characteristics, secretory products, (and action of secretory products).
  11. How does the blood supply of the adrenal gland effect the action of the gland?

Lectures

Part 1

This lecture begins an overview of the structure and function of the endocrine system.

Part 2

This lecture examines the structure and function of the pituitary gland.

Part 3

This lecture examines the structure and function of the pineal body and the thyroid glands.

Part 4

This lecture examines the structure and function of the parathyroid and adrenal glands.

Laboratory

This video provides an overview of the important concepts to remember as studying histological images to learn about the endocrine system, including the pituitary gland, thyroid glands, parathyroid glands, and adrenal glands.

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