Introduction to Endocrinology and Hormones

-

Endocrinology is the branch of biology and medicine that deals with the endocrine system, which consists of glands that produce and secrete hormones. These hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood.

Here's a brief introduction to some key aspects:

  1. Endocrine Glands: These are the organs that produce hormones. They include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, testes, pineal gland, and parathyroid glands.

  2. Hormones: Hormones are molecules produced by endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream. They travel to target cells or organs where they exert their effects by binding to specific receptors.

  3. Types of Hormones:

    • Peptide hormones: Made up of amino acids, such as insulin and growth hormone.
    • Steroid hormones: Derived from cholesterol, such as cortisol and testosterone.
    • Amino acid-derived hormones: Derived from amino acids, such as adrenaline and thyroxine.

  4. Endocrine Regulation: Hormone secretion is regulated by various mechanisms, including feedback loops involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and target organs. Negative feedback loops help maintain hormone levels within a certain range.

  5. Functions of Hormones: Hormones play crucial roles in:

    • Regulating metabolism and energy balance
    • Influencing growth and development
    • Controlling reproductive functions
    • Regulating stress responses
    • Maintaining electrolyte and fluid balance
    • Modulating mood and behavior

  6. Endocrine Disorders: Imbalances in hormone levels can lead to various disorders. For example:

    • Diabetes mellitus: Insulin deficiency or resistance
    • Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid hormone levels
    • Hyperthyroidism: Excess thyroid hormone levels
    • Addison's disease: Adrenal insufficiency
    • Cushing's syndrome: Excess cortisol production

  7. Diagnostic Tools: Endocrinologists use various tests to diagnose endocrine disorders, including blood tests to measure hormone levels, imaging studies to visualize glandular structures, and stimulation or suppression tests to assess gland function.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kwashiorkor and Marasmus

-
Image
  Kwashiorkor and Marasmus (Protein-Energy Malnutrition Disorders) 1. Kwashiorkor Definition : Kwashiorkor is a severe form of protein deficiency that occurs mainly in children, even when calorie intake is adequate. Causes : Diet lacking in protein Often seen in developing countries during weaning (switching from breast milk to other foods) Infections that increase protein needs Symptoms : Swollen belly (edema) Thin muscles, but fat may be present Hair changes (thin, reddish, easily pulled out) Skin lesions and infections Irritability and apathy Delayed growth Treatment : Gradual reintroduction of protein Nutritional rehabilitation Treating infections Micronutrient supplementation 2. Marasmus Definition : Marasmus is a severe form of calorie (energy) deficiency , leading to extreme wasting of body tissues. Causes : Lack of all nutrients, especially calories and protein Chronic starvation Poverty, famin...
Read more

NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY- Objectives

-
  Objectives ·        To study about the basic knowledge about nanoparticles and its biological applications. Course outcome ·            Understand the fundamental principles of nanotechnology and their application to biomedical engineering. ·            Apply engineering and physics concepts to the nano-scale and to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of state-of-the-art nano-fabrication methods. ·            Evaluate processing conditions to engineer functional nanomaterials. ·            Apply and transfer interdisciplinary systems engineering approaches to the field of bio-and nanotechnology projects. ·            Characterization methods for nan...
Read more

UNIT-II: NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY

-
Image
UNIT-II: Biomaterials- Introduction and Types. Biodegradable polymers. Biocompatibility, mechanical properties and Antibacterial Activity. DNA based nanomechanical devices, Biomaterial Nanocircuitry - DNA nanostructures for mechanics, computing and DNA based computation. 🧬 UNIT-II: Biomaterials and DNA Nanotechnology 1. Biomaterials: Introduction and Types What are Biomaterials? Materials used in medical devices that interact with the body. Must be safe , non-toxic , and biocompatible . Used in implants, prosthetics, drug delivery, tissue engineering, etc. Types of Biomaterials: Type Examples Key Features Metals Titanium, Stainless steel Strong, durable, used in bone plates, dental implants Ceramics Alumina, Zirconia Hard, wear-resistant, used in bone grafts, dental crowns Polymers Polyethylene, Silicone, Chitosan Flexible, biodegradable, used in sutures, drug delivery Composites Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers Combine p...
Read more