Hormones and Metabolism

Thyroiditis (Painful and Painless Inflamed Thyroid Gland)

What is Thyroiditis? Thyroiditis is the term for inflammation of the thyroid gland, the bilobular gland located just below the voice box (larynx). The thyroid gland has several functions in the body but is best known for regulating the metabolism through the action of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and >> Read More ...

Thyroid Hormones and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone

What are the thyroid hormones? There are two major hormones secreted by the thyroid gland – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland secretes more thyroxine (T4) than triiodothyronine (T3) but most T4 is eventually converted into T3. Although T3 is secreted in significantly smaller quantities, it >> Read More ...

What is Hyperglycemia? High Blood Sugar in Diabetes & Stress

Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood sugar levels. Glucose, which is a simple sugar (monosaccharide), is essential for energy production and sustaining life. High blood sugar levels damages cells, affects the water and electrolyte balance and disrupts homeostasis. Causes of Hyperglycemia Prolonged >> Read More ...

Normal Blood Glucose Contol and Range for Blood Glucose Levels

The blood glucose levels are maintained within a narrow range by two important regulating hormones – insulin and glucagon. Other factors also influence blood glucose levels but the action of these two hormones have the most profound effect. Simply, the body can raise the blood glucose levels when it falls below a >> Read More ...

Digestive Hormones – Chemicals that Control Digestion

What are Digestion Hormones? Digestive hormones (gut hormones) are chemical ‘messengers’ which signal the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs to perform different actions in order to coordinate the digestive process. It may act on an entire organ, part of the organ or specific tissues and cells to : >> Read More ...

Pancreas Functions and Pancreatic Enzymes

The pancreas plays multiple roles in digestion, absorption, metabolism and storage of nutrients. Its diverse functions can be broadly divided into its dual glandular activity : Exocrine – digestive enzymes secreted into the small intestine. Endocrine – hormones secreted directly into the blood stream. >> Read More ...

Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism Differences in Signs, Symptoms

Hypothyroidism is the reduced activity of the thyroid gland (underactive thyroid) leading to a decrease in circulating thyroid hormones. This slows the metabolic activity within the body. Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) is the increased activity of the thyroid gland (overactive thyroid) resulting in an increase in the >> Read More ...

Gastric Acid Secretion – Production, Stimulation, Inhibition

The gastric glands, also known as the oxyntic glands, secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsinogen and intrinsic factor. These glands are made up of 3 types of cells : mucus neck cells which secretes mucus peptic/chief cells which secretes pepsinogen parietal/oxyntic cells which secretes HCl and intrinsic factor All these >> Read More ...

Human Endocrine System, List of Glands and Hormone Functions

What is the Endocrine System? The endocrine system comprises the multiple glands that secrete chemical messengers, known as hormones, into the bloodstream. These hormones may act on almost every cell of the body or it may be tissue-specific and only act on certain types of cells. The endocrine system is the body’s >> Read More ...

Pituitary Gland Disorders and Types of Pituitary Problems

As the “master gland”, most of the effects of the pituitary gland is on the other endocrine glands of the body. Disorders of the pituitary gland is often only detected by the signs and symptoms of various diseases attributed to these other glands. Pituitary gland problems can be seen either as an excess or >> Read More ...

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