NAME OF INSTITUTION:

INSTITUTION: NURSES’
NURSES’S TRAINING COLLEGE, HO
PROGRAMME:
PROGRAMME: PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING
COURSE:
COURSE: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
TURTOR:
TURTOR: DR. NUKU OHENE

TOPIC: ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

GROUP 5
MEMBERS
1. JONAS MAWUNYA GOKA
2. HODAH YVONNE GRACE
3. TSITSIKU JOSEPHINE
4. AKPO STEPHANIE
5. ZAH BELINDA
6. ABLOMETI CECELIA
7. HERBERT MENSAH BOATRIE
8. ATAKPA DEBORAH ESIMEBIA
9. NYADZRO JANET MAWUFEMOR
10. TORPEY GENEVIEVE DZIFA
OBJECTIVES

At the end of this presentation, the students should be able to understand:

 The overview of the endocrine system and its function

 The glands of the endocrine system. Thus, Thyroid and Parathyroid glands

 The hormones secreted by these glands

 The interplay between thyroid and parathyroid glands

 The disorders of the thyroid and parathyroid glands

INTRODUCTION
The endocrine system is a collection of glands that are responsible for regulating many body functions.
These glands produce hormones, which are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to
other organs and tissues in the body. The endocrine system is involved in the regulation of bodily
functions like metabolism, growth, reproduction, mood, and blood pressure. Endocrine system is a system
of ductless glands that secrets hormones directly into the circulatory system. The main function of the
endocrine system is to release hormones into the blood whiles continuously monitoring the levels.
Homornes are molecules released by a cell or gland in one part of the body that sends out messages
affecting cells in other parts of the organism. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it.
Hormones are essential for life and your health.
IMPORTANCE OF HORMONES IN REGULATING BODILY FUNCTIONS

Growth and development

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating growth and development in the human body. Growth hormones,
such as somatotropin, influence the development of bones and tissues, particularly during childhood and
adolescence. For instance, growth hormones stimulate the growth of long bones in the legs and arms.

Reproduction

Hormones are essential for regulating reproduction in the body. For example in women, hormones like
estroterone and progesterone control the menstrual cycle, ovulation and pregnancy. In men, testosterone is
crucial for the production of sperm and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Hormones
also influence sexual desire and behavior. Therefore imbalance in reproductive hormones can lead to
infertility, menstrual irregularities and some other reproductive issues.

Metabolism

Metabolism is regulated by hormones like insulin, glucagon, adrenaline, and thyroid hormones. These
hormones control how the body uses energy from food, affecting processes like digestion, absorption and
storage of nutrients. Hormonal imbalances can impact metabolic rate, leading to weight fluctuations,
energy levels and overall health.

Stress response

Stress response, governed by hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, are vital for regulating bodily
functions by preparing the body-for-fight or fight situations. These hormones increase heart rate, boost
energy levels and enforce focus, ensuring the body can respond effectively to perceived threats. Hormonal
regulation during stress helps maintain homeostasis by coordinating various physiological processes to
cope challenges efficiently.

OVERVIEW THE GLANGS IN THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

The endocrine systems consist of about 43 glands that are scattered throughout the body. Some are
endocrine and exocrine. Some of the most important glands include;

THYROID GLAND; inferior larynx

sub(Parathyroid gland); posterior to the thyroid gland

PITUITARY GLAND/Hypophysis; inferior to the hypothalamus

ADRENAL GLAND; Superior to the kidney

PINEAL GLAND; posterior to the thalamus

THYROID GLAND

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland that weighs about 25g and its surrounded by fibrous

capsule. It consist of two lobes,one on either side of the thyroid cartilage and upper cartilaginous

rings of the trachea.The lobes are joined by a narrow Isthmus, lying in front of the trachea.These

lobes are roughly cone shaped about 5cm long and 3cm wide.The thyroid gland is located in the

inferior,anterior neck.Thus, it's in front of the larynx and the trachea at the level of the 5th,6th and

7th cervical and 1st thoracic vertebrae. The thyroid gland secretes two thyroid hormones

1. Thyroxine (T4) thus it's contains four atoms of the elements iodine

2. Tri-iodothyronine (T3) it contains three atoms of iodine element.

Iodine is essential for the formation of the thyroid hormones.The thyroid gland selectively

takes iodine from the blood, these process is called iodine trapping.

The thyroid gland produces approximately 90% inactive thyroid hormones or thyroxine (T4)

and 10% active thyroid hormones or tri-iodothyronine (T3).The thyroxine is converted

peripherally to either activated thyroid hormones(T3) or an alternative inactive thyroid hormone.

The pituitary gland (located near the base of the brain)makes,stores,and releases thyroid

stimulating hormone (TSH).When the TSH is secreted by the pituitary gland,it causes the thyroid

gland to release more T3 and T4.A high TSH level means there isn't enough thyroid hormone

and a low TSH level means there is too much thyroid hormones.
FUNCTIONS OF THYROID HORMONES IN REGULATING METABOLISM,
GROWTY AND DEVELOPMENT
1. Metabolism: Thyroid hormones regulate the body's metabolism by controlling the rate at which cells in
the body use oxygen and produce energy. They increase basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the amount
of energy expended at rest. This helps in maintaining body temperature, heartbeat, and other bodily
functions.

2. Growth and development: Thyroid hormones are essential for normal growth in children and
adolescents, as they stimulate the production of growth hormone. They also play a crucial role in the
development of the brain and nervous system, influencing neural growth, myelination, and synaptogenesis.
Thyroid hormones also support bone growth and maturation.

3. Reproductive functions: Thyroid hormones play a role in regulating reproductive functions in both
males and females. They are important for normal ovarian and testicular function, as well as menstrual
cycle regulation in women.

Overall, thyroid hormones are critical for maintaining the body's overall growth, development, and energy
balance. An imbalance in thyroid hormone levels can lead to a variety of health issues, including weight
changes, fatigue, and developmental delays.

ROLES OF THE THYROID GLAND IN MAINTAINING BODY TEMPERATURE AND

ENERGY LEVELS
 Metabolism regulation: Thyroid glands produce a hormone that controls the speed at which your
body’s cells work.

 Body temperature regulation: Thyroid gland produces hormones that can influence the dilation
of vessels.

 Energy levels: The thyroid’s hormones ensure that the energy is produced and used efficiently in
the body.
PARATHYROID GLAND
The parathyroid glands are usually embedded in the posterior of lobe of the thyroid gland. They are tiny
rounded gland found posterior of the neck. A connective tissue separates the gland from the thyroid gland.
Most people have four parathyroid glands. Parathyroid glands are made up of two cells.

Namely;

 Chief cell.

 Oxyphil cell.

The chief cell secretes the parathyroid hormone (PTH), but despite their relative abundance of the function
of the oxyphils is unknown.

FUNCTIONS OF PARATHYROID HORMONE IN REGULATING CALCIUM AND

PHOSPHORUS LEVELS IN THE BLOOD AND THE BONE

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a hormone your parathyroid glands release to control calcium levels in your
blood. It also controls phosphorus and vitamin D levels. If your body has too much or too little parathyroid
hormone, it can cause symptoms related to abnormal blood calcium levels

The main function of the parathyroid glands is to make the parathyroid hormone (PTH). This chemical
regulates the amounts of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the bones and blood. The minerals
calcium and phosphorus are crucial for healthy bones

At the bone, PTH inhibits osteoblast activity and stimulates osteoclast activity leading to bone breakdown
and calcium release. At the kidneys, PTH increases calcium re-absorption and blocks phosphate re-
absorption from the tubules. PTH also acts at the kidneys to stimulate the formation of vitamin D.

The parathyroid gland plays a crucial role in muscle function by regulating the levels of calcium in the
body. Calcium is essential for muscle contraction, and the parathyroid gland helps to maintain the
appropriate levels of calcium in the blood stream to support proper muscle function.
INTERPLAY BETWEEN THE THYROID GLAND AND THE PARATHYROID
GLANDS IN HORMONE REGULATION
 Calcium regulation

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) produced by the parathyroid glands, plays a key role in maintaining calcium
levels by stimulating calcium excretion by the thyroid gland, indirectly influence calcium levels by
affecting bone metabolism and the sensitivity of the tissues to the parathyroid hormone.
 Vitamin D metabolism

Both the thyroid and parathyroid glands are involved in the metabolism of vitamin D, which is essential
for calcium absorption in the intestine.
 Bone metabolism

Thyroid hormones can influence bone turn over by regulating osteoclasts activity. Parathyroid hormone
directly affects bone resorption by stimulating osteoclasts to breakdown bone tissue, releasing calcium
into the blood stream.

DISORDERS OF THE THYROID AND THE PARATHYROID GLANDS

Thyroid Disorders

 Hypothyroidism: Its a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough
hormones. Symptoms include; fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin. Causes includes;
autoimmune disorders (where the body attacks the thyroid gland, thyroid surgery, certain
medications and iodine deficiency. Treatments includes; hormone replacement therapy
through medication.
 Hyperthyroidism: Its a condition where the thyroid gland produces too many hormones.
Symptoms include; weight loss, nervousness and irregular heartbeat. Cause includes;
Graves disease which is an autoimmune disorder, thyroid nodules and thyroiditis.
Treatment includes; radioactive iodine and surgery.
Parathyroid disorders.
 Hyperparathyroidism: Its when the Parathyroid glands produce too much hormone.
Symptoms include; high blood calcium levels, fatigue, frequent urination and constipation.
Causes includes; hyperplasia (enlargement of multiple glands), rarely parathyroid cancer.
Treatment includes; surgery, and medication.

 Hypoparathyroidism : Its a condition where very low levels of the parathyroid hormones are
produced in the body. Symptoms include; memory problems, headaches, dry skin and hair,
fatigue and muscle cramps. Causes include; autoimmune disorders, injury to the parathyroid
glands and genetic disorders Treatment includes; hormone replacement therapy and vitamin D
supplements.
The impacts of the Thyroid and the Parathyroid disorders on the body.
Thyroid disorders can have a big impact on the cardiovascular system. Hypothyroidism can lead to high
cholesterol and high blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism can cause an irregular heartbeat. Both conditions
can also cause heart failure. Thyroid disorders can also impact the nervous system, causing things like
anxiety, depression, and memory problems. The endocrine system is also impacted by thyroid disorders.

The impact of parathyroid disorders.

Parathyroid disorders can have many different impacts on the body. Hyperparathyroidism, in particular,
can cause weak bones, kidney stones, and fatigue. Hypoparathyroidism can cause muscle spasms, heart
rhythm problems, and seizures. In severe cases, both hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism can be
life-threatening.

IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING A HEALTHY ENDOCRINE SYSTEM FOR OVER

ALL WELLBEING.
 It helps in managing reproductive functions: The progesterone and estrogen helps in regulating the
menstrual cycle and also enhances the reproductive functions of the female. The testosterone helps
in the development and functioning of the male reproductive system.

 It regulates metabolism: The endocrine system helps regulate body’s metabolism including how it
uses energy from food.

 It helps in hormone production: The endocrine system produces hormones that help regulate
various body functions such as growth and development, mood and blood sugar level.

 It helps in the overall health and wellbeing: A healthy endocrine system is essential for overall
health and wellbeing as it helps maintain balance within the body and ensures that all bodily
systems are functioning properly.

CONCLUSION

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland which weighs about 25kg. It secretes T4 and T3. The thyroid
gland helps in regulating body temperature, metabolism and energy levels in the body.

The parathyroid on the other hand is embedded in the posterior lobe of the thyroid gland which is made up
of two cells which are the chief cells and oxyphils. And the chief cell secretes the parathyroid hormone.

Thank You