Identification of Endocrine Glands

IDENTIFICATION OF ENDOCRINE GLANDS

Aim:

To identify the endocrine gland, its location, hormone secreted and functions - Thyroid gland and Pancreas

Materials Required:

Endocrine glands – (a) Thyroid gland (b) Pancreas – Islets of Langerhans

Any one endocrine gland should be flag labelled.

For the purpose of flag labelling a model / a chart / photograph showing all endocrine glands should be used. (Mark the endocrine glands mentioned for the practical)

Identification:

Identify the flagged endocrine gland, write its location, the hormones secreted and its functions.

(a) Thyroid gland

Identification: The flag labelled endocrine gland is identified as Thyroid gland

Location: Thyroid gland is a bilobed gland located in the neck region on either side of the trachea.

Hormones secreted: Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4)

Functions of Hormones:

1.              Thyroid hormones increases the basal metabolic rate (BMR).

2.              It increases the body temperature.

3.              It regulates metabolism

4.              It is required for normal growth and development

5.              It is also known as personality hormone.

6.              Deficiency of thyroxine results in simple goiter, myxoedema (in adults) and cretinism (in children).

7.              Excess secretion causes Grave’s diseases.

(b) Pancreas – Islets of Langerhans

Identification:

The flag labelled endocrine gland is identified as Islets of Langerhans in the Pancreas.

Location:

Islets of Langerhans are seen embedded in the pancreas which is located in the abdominal region.

Hormones secreted:

1. α cells secrete glucagon

2. β cells secrete insulin

Functions of Hormones:

1. Insulin converts glucose into glycogen and stores it in liver and muscles.

2. Glucagon converts glycogen into glucose.

3. Insulin and glucagon maintain the blood sugar level (80 – 120 mg/dl) by their antagonistic function.

4. Decrease in insulin secretion causes diabetes mellitus.