Endocrine and Musculoskeletal Systems: Functions and Disorders
Endocrine System
Endocrine system: Produces and responds to stimulation by producing hormones. These hormones are transported by the blood to all the cells in the body. Each hormone only affects its target cells, which have receptors for that specific hormone.
Hormones: Connect to a receptor and send information. This information causes chemical reactions inside the cell that produce a response.
Relationship of Nervous and Endocrine Systems
The hypothalamus, a gland located on top of the brain stem, is the main center of integration between the nervous and endocrine systems. Both receive signals from areas of the nervous system. These signals tell the hypothalamus to produce other nerve signals and special hormones: releasing factors and inhibiting factors. These factors act on the pituitary gland and control hormone release.
Control of Hormone Secretion
Feedback mechanisms in the endocrine system act similarly. When the amount of hormone in the blood reaches a specific level, a signal makes the gland stop releasing it.
Diseases of the Endocrine System
General types:
- Hypofunction: Insufficient hormone production in an endocrine gland.
- Hyperfunction: Excessive production of a hormone.
- Dysfunction: Alterations in the receptors.
- Diabetes mellitus: Increased glucose blood levels.
- Type 1: Difficult insulin production by the pancreas prevents cells from absorbing glucose in the blood; often affects young people.
- Type 2: The pancreas produces insulin, but cells are unable to respond to it; more common in adults.
- Hyperthyroidism: Excess thyroid hormone production, increasing metabolism.
- Hypothyroidism: Defect in thyroid hormone production, causing a slowdown in metabolism.
- Dwarfism and gigantism: (of endocrine origin); deficient or excess growth hormone production by the pituitary.
Healthy Habits
A healthy diet, regular moderate-intensity exercise, and avoiding drugs are important.
Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system enables the body to move. It consists of two systems: the skeletal and muscular systems.
Skeletal System
The skeletal system is made up of bones, joints, and ligaments.
- Supports the weight of the body and provides shape.
- Produces blood cells in the bone marrow.
- Stores calcium and phosphorus.
- Protects internal organs.
Muscular System
The muscular system consists of skeletal muscles; these muscles are attached by tendons.
Healthy Habits
Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and practice correct postures.
Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System
- Osteoporosis: Weakened bones due to loss of bone mass, usually affecting older females.
- Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint.
- Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of joint cartilage.
- Muscle contraction: Involuntary sustained muscle contraction.
- Sprain: Twisting of a joint that can cause ligament fibers to break or strain.
- Dislocation: Two bones move from their normal position.
- Fractured disc: Displacement of an intervertebral disc, which may compress nerves, causing pain.
- Torn cartilage: Tearing of the meniscus in the knee.