Page 328 - Critical Care Nursing Demystified

Chapter 7 CARE OF THE PATIENT WITH ENDOCRINE DISORDERS 313

1 Major Organs of the Endocrine System to Be Addressed (Figure 7–1)

Pituitary (hypophysis)
Thyroid

Parathyroid
Pancreas
Adrenals (suprarenals)

Structure and Function of the Pituitary Gland

Also known as the hypophysis, the pituitary gland is considered to be the “mas-
ter gland” because it influences most bodily functions. It controls growth and
metabolism and is found in a hollow depression at the base of the skull in the

Thyroid Downloaded by [ Faculty of Nursing, Chiangmai University 5.62.158.117] at [07/18/16]. Copyright © McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings, LLC. Not to be redistributed or modified in any way without permission.
gland
Pineal
Pituitary gland
Thymus
gland
Adrenal
gland

Pancreas
female

Ovary

Testis

FIGURE 7–1 • Glands of the endocrine system.