Endocrine System

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1.7         Dwarfism and Gigantism – The hormones produced by the pituitary gland, in association with other hormones during childhood and adolescence, promote growth and development of bones and the body’s building blocks called “proteins”. An untreated genetic deficiency of these growth hormones causes a marked slowing of growth, resulting in “dwarfism”. Over-secretion on the other hand can lead to a condition of over-growth called “gigantism”. Both these people may be perfectly proportioned and intelligent too.

 The Thyroid Gland

1.8    The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, weighing less than 28 grams, is located at the base of the front of the neck on both sides of the windpipe and below your Adam’s apple. Thyroid takes iodine from the blood and uses it to make hormones. It secretes hormones that play a crucial role in determining the speed at which the body transforms food into energy (metabolic rate) and the speed at which the body uses that energy. One thyroid hormone is responsible for normal growth of the brain, bones and muscles during childhood. The thyroid gland also helps maintain a normal heart rate, has a role in maintaining the body’s calcium level, and affects reproductive functions. The failure of the pituitary gland to secrete the hormone that stimulates the thyroid can cause hypothyroidism in which one usually gains weight. On the other hand, the release of too many hormones than required by the body causes hyperthyroidism which increases the appetite but still one loses weight.

The Adrenal Glands

1.9    There is an adrenal gland located on top of each kidney. These glands produce dozens of different hormones. The adrenal’s inner layer secretes hormones that cause a “fight-or-flight” response to stressful situations. The outer layer secretes hormones that help regulate the body’s metabolism and its salt-and-water balance and control inflammation.