Human Anatomy - Kotsan I. Y. 2009

Endocrine Glands
Endocrine portion of the gonads

Gonads (Testes and Ovaries), besides Germ Cells, produce and secrete Sex Hormones into the Blood. As mentioned previously (see the chapter "Reproductive Organs"), this function in the Testis is performed by interstitial endocrinocytes, or Leydig cells. These are large cells that occur in clusters between the seminiferous tubules near Blood and Lymphatic capillaries. Currently, it is believed that these cells secrete the male sex hormone testosterone (an androgen), which stimulates the GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT of Male reproductive organs, secondary sexual characteristics, and The Musculoskeletal System, tonifies The Nervous system, induces sexual desire, and stimulates potency. Its effect on Spermatogenesis is crucial: a low concentration of the hormone activates this process, whereas a high concentration inhibits it. It should be noted that small amounts of Female Sex Hormones, estrogens, are also synthesized in the testes.

Female sex hormones—estrogen and progesterone—are produced in the Ovary. The site of estrogen (folliculin) production is the granular layer of maturing follicles, as well as the interstitial Cells of the ovary. Follicle growth and activation of interstitial cells occur under METABOLISM/18.html">The Influence of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing Hormones of the Pituitary Gland. Luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation and The formation of the corpus luteum, a unique organ with endocrine function. Progesterone affects the mucous membrane of the Uterus, preparing it for the implantation of a fertilized egg, the growth and Development of the fetus, The Development of the Placenta and Mammary Glands, and also inhibits the growth of new follicles. Estrogens influence the development of external genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics, as well as the growth and development of the musculoskeletal system, ensuring female body patterning. In addition, small amounts of androgens (Male Sex Hormones) are also produced in the ovaries.

Main Latin Terms

Endocrine glands — glandulae endocrinae

Hormones — hormao

Thyroid Gland — glandula thyroidea

Right lobe — lobus dexter

Left lobe — lobus sinister

Pyramidal lobe — lobus pyramidalis

Isthmus of thyroid gland — isthmus glandulae thyroideae

Fibrous capsule — capsula fibrosa

Stroma — stroma

Parenchyma — parenchyma

Lobules — lobuli

Follicles — folliculi

Colloid — colloidum

Accessory thyroid glands — glandulae thyroideae accessoriae

Parathyroid glands — glandulae parathyroidea

Thymus gland — thymus — thymus

Right lobe — lobus dexter

Left lobe — lobus sinister

Capsule of thymus — capsula thymi

Interlobular septa — septa interlobularia

Lobules of thymus — lobuli thymi

Cortex of thymus — cortex thymi

Medulla of thymus — medulla thymi

Hypophysis (pituitary gland) — hypophysis

Adenohypophysis (anterior lobe) — adenohypophysis (lobus anterior)

Pars distalis — pars distalis

Pars tuberalis — pars tuberalis

Pars intermedia — pars intermedia

Neurohypophysis (posterior lobe) — neurohypophysis (lobus posterior)

Neural lobe — lobus nervosus

Infundibulum — infundibulum

Pineal body — epiphysis cerebri

Pineal Gland — corpus pineale (glandula pinealis)

Adrenal gland — glandula suprarenalis

Anterior surface — facies anterior

Posterior surface — facies posterior

Renal surface — facies renalis

Superior margin — margo superior

Medial margin — margo medialis

Hilum — hilum

Medulla — medulla

Cortex — cortex

Zona glomerulosa — zona glomerulosa

Zona fasciculata — zona fasciculata

Zona reticularis — zona reticularis

Endocrine part of Pancreas — pars endocrina pancreatis

Pancreatic islets — insulae pancreaticae