Top 5 Most Valuable Glands Diane Banderas and Shelby Knorr

Pituitary Gland (The Master Gland) Function regulation of gonads, thyroid, adrenal cortex, lactation, and water balance. It is controlled by the Hypothalamus. Disease Malfunction usually results from a tumor (adenoma). Causes over or under production of hormones which can affect many systems in the body. Can also become enlarged. Function regulation of gonads, thyroid, adrenal cortex, lactation, and water balance. It is controlled by the Hypothalamus. Disease Malfunction usually results from a tumor (adenoma). Causes over or under production of hormones which can affect many systems in the body. Can also become enlarged. Removal Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through nose Inflammation of membranes around brain and spine Treatment After Life-Long hormone replacement therapy

Ovaries Function Produces ova (eggs) Female reproductive Disease Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Ovaries produce higher amounts of androgens Interferes with egg develop. = cysts Trouble having children Weight-gain Diabetes, high blood pressure Ovarian Cancer Digestive and bladder issues Function Produces ova (eggs) Female reproductive Disease Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Ovaries produce higher amounts of androgens Interferes with egg develop. = cysts Trouble having children Weight-gain Diabetes, high blood pressure Ovarian Cancer Digestive and bladder issues Removal Oophorecotmy If one is removed menstruation continues If both are removed menstruation stops and woman cannot have children Treatment After Non-hormonal biphosphonates + bone strenth - hot flashes Hormonal replacement therapy Regulation of many bodily functions

Testes Function Produces sperm Male reproductive Disease Endocrine disorders Affects size and function Klinefelter’s Syndrome Infertility Low levels of testosterone Less facial and body hair Less muscular May have trouble using language and fitting in Function Produces sperm Male reproductive Disease Endocrine disorders Affects size and function Klinefelter’s Syndrome Infertility Low levels of testosterone Less facial and body hair Less muscular May have trouble using language and fitting in Removal Orchiectomy = 1 Can still father children Bi-Lateral Orchiectomy = 2 Can’t father children Treatment After Bank sperm Replace testosterone levels

Adrenal Gland(s) Function Works interactively with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland The adrenal cortex produces hormones called corticosteroids that influence or regulate salt and water balance in the body, the body's response to stress, metabolism, the immune system, and sexual development and function. The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines, such as epinephrine (adrenaline), which increases blood pressure and heart rate when the body experiences stress. Disease If left untreated, diseases of the adrenal glands can be fatal Addison’s Disease, Adrenal Gland Disorders, Adrenal Tumors, Cushing’s Syndrome Removal Only removed in cases of adrenal cancer There is a drop in hormone production Without hormone replacement, the patient can develop diabetes, obesity, high- blood pressure, and other symptoms of a nonfunctioning metabolism May only have to remove one, but removal of both can be necessary Treatment After Removal Hormone replacement therapies If only one adrenal gland is removed, then living without the uses of hormonal supplements is possible

Pineal Gland Function Causes feeling of sleepiness Converts nervous system signals to endocrine signals Regulates Endocrine Functions Sexual development Metabolism Processing solar light Secretion of melatonin Is enhanced whenever the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated Production of melatonin is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light Diseases Tumors Are rare and occur most often in children and young adults Most are germ cell tumors Headaches, vomiting, seizures Diabetes, secondary sex characteristics Removal Very rare that the pineal gland is removed Usually only if there is severe cancer Treatment After Removal Hormone replacement therapies must take place because the functions of the pineal gland are very important to the body’s functions