Abstract
The endocrine system is represented by a group of single cells and glands that produce and secrete peptide and steroid hormones in the bloodstream to modulate many functions of the body. Several endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland and the adrenal glands, are regulated by the hypothalamic-hypophyseal system. Others, such as the parathyroid glands, responds to variations in the blood levels of calcium; and the main function of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans is under the control of sugar levels in blood. In addition, there is a massive population of single endocrine cells distributed in several tissues of the body that are independent of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal system and have a significant functional and pathologic role. One of these cells is the C cell, housed in the thyroid gland and whose secretory product, calcitonin, balances the calcium regulatory function of the parathyroid glands. The cell target of the parathyroid glands is the osteoblast, whereas the C cell targets the osteoclast. This chapter covers the structure and function of the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands, the parathyroid glands, the C cells and the islets of Langerhans and provides insights concerning clinical and pathologic conditions.
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