1.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY

18

INTRODUCTION • comprised of all cells and glands that
elaborate hormones
• The (1) endocrine and the (2) nervous o Cells
system comprise the two major integration § Occur:
and control systems of the body. Ø singly or in clusters in various
o The two systems work parallel but organs in the body (e.g.,
independent of each other enteroendocrine cells of GIT)
o Overlaps exist both anatomically and Ø As Distinct Organs or
functionally
Endocrine Glands
o both receive and respond to stimuli
Ø Component Structures of
o but response of endocrine system is
§ slower Certain Organs (e.g. endocrine
§ more diffuse portion of hypothalamus)
§ longer-lasting
ENDOCRINE GLANDS
• No excretory duct (ductless glands)
TABLE OF CONTENTS • Richly supplied with capillaries
Endocrine System
Endocrine Glands
- Hypothalamus Can be distinguished as:
- Pituitary Gland
• Distinct organs (Glands)
o Neurohypophysis
§ Parts 1. Pituitary gland
§ Hormones 2. Pineal gland
o Adenohypophysis 3. Thyroid gland
§ (Sub)Parts 4. Parathyroid gland
• Hypothalamic Control on Anterior 5. Adrenal glands
Pituitary Gland • Component of organs
- Pineal gland (Epiphysis Cerebri) 1. Endocrine portions of hypothalamus
o Histology
2. Islets of Langerhans
- Thyroid Gland
o Histology
o Thyroid Hormones: Synthesis, HYPOTHALAMUS
Function, Control of Secretion
o Calcitonin
- Parathyroid Gland
o Histology
o Hormones
- Adrenal Gland
o Histology
- Islets of Langerhans
o Hormones
Past Es
Summary of Cells

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

• comprised of all cells and glands that

elaborate hormones
• Hormones
o chemical substances (steroid, • part of diencephalon; with
peptide, amine) telencephalon comprises forebrain or
o act as chemical messengers prosencephalon
o carried by blood to target organs/s • also an endocrine organ but only partly.
or tissues/ whose cells (target cells) • at base of brain behind optic chiasm
have receptors for the substance • forms floor and part of wall of 3rd
ventricle
TRANSCRIBERS: RJB, DaraC, JaraD, GiezelG, EllaG, LemuelP, ArrizaS, JayT (Group 7A) 1
SUBTRANSHEAD: RJ BELTRAN
 • consists of: nuclei (11 major), nuclear o stimulates contraction of myoepithelial
areas, tracts cells in mammary gland; aids in
• Functions: ejection of milk
1. controls many body o in non-pregnant female, may play a
functions (e.g., thirst, hunger, role in various social behaviour
satiety, temperature, sexual o in males, facilitates sperm transport
behavior, circadian rhythms, within male genital tract.
etc.)
2. elaborates hormones 2. Vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone;
ADH)
The hormones can be divided into two: o increases permeability of collecting
ducts of kidney (by recruiting
I. Posterior pituitary hormones aquaporins); concentrates urine
- Secreted by magnocellular
secretory neurons in supraoptic v Oxytocin is produced by one cell type
and paraventricular nuclei v Vasopressin is produced by another cell
- Stored in the posterior lobe of the type
pituitary gland Both cell types are present in both supraoptic
and paraventricular nuclei.
The hormones under this are:

1. Oxytocin
2. Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)

II. Hypophysiotropic hormones

(neurohormones)
- Secreted by parvocellular
secretory neurons which are widely
dispersed in hypothalamus but
mostly in:

§ arcuate nucleus
§ paraventricular nucleus
§ periventricular nucleus

- Regulates the activity of the PITUITARY GLAND

secretory cells of the pituitary gland
• a.k.a. hypophysis cerebri
Under the Hypophysiotropic hormones are: • small ovoid body
• size: 12 mm transverse & 8 mm in AP
1. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) diameters
2. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) • weight: 500 mg
3. Growth hormone-releasing hormone • location (It is well protected as it is
(GRH) important):
4. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone a. attached to inferior
(luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone; surface of hypothalamus
GnRH;LHRH) b. lodged in hypophyseal
5. Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone fossa of sella turcica of
(GHIH; somatostatin; SS) sphenoid bone
6. Prolactin-inhibiting hormone (PIH)
• Together with hypothalamus:
NOTE: They are named according to their c. Key organs involved in
functions. interplay of nervous and
endocrine systems
HYPOTHALAMUS: HORMONES d. Extensive neural and
vascular connections
1. Oxytocin exist between these
o stimulates contraction of smooth organs
muscles in myometrium; aids in
parturition

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 2

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 Parts (differ developmentally, structurally
and functionally)
1. Neurohypophysis-smaller region
2. Adenohypophysis-larger region
1. Hypothalamo-hypophyseal tract
• axons of cells in so and pv nuclei
on their way to pars nervosa
2. Neuroglial cells (pituicytes)
• stellate; processes interconnects
with other pituicytes
• supportive functions to secretory
neurons

c. Pars nervosa (posterior lobe;

infundibular process)
• Distal portions and terminations of
axons of neurons in so and pv
nuclei
• expanded inferior continuation of
the pituitary stalk
• much bigger than pituitary stalk
due to axonal dilatations

Anterior Lobe- Pars distalis; Posterior Lobe- Pars So we can say that the Neurohypophysis:
nervosa
• not really a gland; does not produce
NEUROHYPOPHYSIS hormones
• stores two hormones produced by cells of
so and pv nuclei
• more fibrous than cellular
• secretions stored in axon terminals in pars
nervosa

NEUROHYPOPHYSIS: STRUCTURES

A. Median Eminence
1. Unmyelinated axons of the secretory
neurons
• travel downwards and terminate in the
neurohypophysis
• comprise the bulk of neurohypophysis

Unmyelinated Axons of the

Parvocellular Secretory Neurons
i. from neural ectoderm • relatively short
ii. downgrowth of diencephalon • terminate in the median eminence
iii. connection with brain persists & becomes • axonal terminations act as storage
infundibulum (pituitary stalk) of hypophysiotropic hormones

NEUROHYPOPHYSIS: REGIONS Unmyelinated Axons of the

a) Median eminence Magnocellular Secretory Neurons
• proximal portion attached to • longer
hypothalamus • originate from the nuclei
• axons of parvocellular neurons • passes through pituitary stalk
terminate here • ends in posterior lobe of the
b) Pituitary stalk (infundibulum; pituitary gland
infundibular stem; infundibular stalk; • have dilatations that are storage
hypophyseal stalk) sites for the secretory granules
• downward extension of median that are synthesized in the cell
eminence bodies of the neurons
• expands inferiorly to form pars
nervosa

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 3

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 • Herring Bodies
o aggregations of secretory
granules in the axonal
dilatations
o deeply-staining basophilic
structures
• main component of the pituitary stalk
• comprised of proximal segments of the
axons of cells in so and pv nuclei on
their way to pars nervosa
C. Posterior Lobe
• distal segments of the axons comprise
bulk of the lobe

NEUROHYPOPHYSIS: HORMONES

• a.k.a. posterior pituitary hormones

2. Capillaries
NEUROHYPOPHYSIS: CELLULAR ELEMENTS

1. Pituicytes
• Non-secretory stellate cells;
morphologically similar to
astrocytes
• processes interconnects with
other pituicytes
• supportive functions to secretory
neurons
• surround the axons of the
secretory neurons

2. Endothelial Cells
3. Blood Cells in Sinusoids

**Neurohypophysis = Axons of secretory

neurons + Pituicytes + Sinusoids

Note: familiarize with
direction of the secretions
3. Supporting Cells
ADENOHYPOPHYSIS
• from oral ectoderm
• derived from an outgrowth of oral mucosa
(Rathke’s pouch)
yourself the • connection of Rathke’s pouch with oral
cavity severed later
• part of gland that synthesizes hormones

**Median Eminence = Axons + Capillaries +

Supporting Cells**

B. Pituitary Stalk
Hypothalamo – Hypophyseal Tract

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 4

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 ADENOHYPOPHYSIS: (SUB)PARTS

1. Chromophils
- Affinity for acid dyes
- intensely colored cytoplasm
- 65% of parenchymal cells
a) Pars distalis (Anterior lobe)
I. Acidophils (alpha cells) - cytoplasm
• biggest (sub)part of gland stains red
• comprises about 70% of gland
• produces nearly all the hormones secreted a. Somatotrophs
by pituitary gland • most abundant of chromophils
• hormones collectively referred to as • 50% of chromophils
anterior pituitary hormones • secrete somatotropin (growth
• controlled by hormones from hormone)
hypothalamus • affects practically all cells
• Reticular tissue • smaller cytoplasmic granules than
o exist between the epithelial cells and mammotrophs
sinusoids
o supporting structure for the cell b. Mammotrophs
cords and sinusoids • 20% of chromophils
• Parenchymal Cells • scattered singly all over lobe
o form irregular-arranged • larger secretory granules than
anastomosing cords and clusters somatotrophs
o surrounded by fenestrated sinusoids • secrete prolactin (Mammotrophin)
o stimulates growth and activity of
• Histology: mammary glands during
pregnancy & lactation
v Epithelial cells (cords, clusters) o in non-pregnant women, unclear
(note: anastomosing and irregularly o in males, helps regulate testicular
arranged) function
v Capillaries • increase in size and number in
v Connective tissue pregnancy
- minimal; mostly reticular fibers
v most acidophils secrete only one type of
hormone
Epithelial types (based on EM and v a few (somatomammotrophs) secrete
fluorescent dyes): both somatotropin and prolactin

II. Basophils (beta cells)

- cytoplasm stains blue or purple
Chromophils & Chromophobes
- less numerous but are larger than
acidophils

a. Thyrotrophs
• 5% of chromophils

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 5

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 • polygonal cells with long processes
• secretory granules smallest of 5 cell
types
• produce thyrotropin (thyroid
stimulating hormone; TSH)
o TSH stimulates thyroid gland
to produce thyroid hormones
b) Pars tuberalis (pars infundibularis)
• forms thin sleeve around pituitary stalk of
neurohypophysis
• the sleeve is not uniform in thickness, 2 to
60 um; thickest anteriorly

b. Corticotrophs
• 20% of chromophils
• few secretory granules and only
slightly larger than those in
thyrotrophs
• secrete corticotropin (ACTH;
adrenocorticotropin; adreno-
corticotropic hormone) that
stimulates adrenal cortex.

c. Gonadotrophs
• 5% of chromophils
• large, round cells
• distributed singly throughout pars
• more vascular than anterior lobe due to
distalis
the blood vessels of the hypophyseoportal
• secretory granules moderate &
system traversing it
variable in size
• sometimes with follicles that contain
• produce gonadotropins:
colloids
i. luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Parenchymal cells:
ii. follicle stimulating hormone
o arranged in cords or clusters around
(FSH)
blood vessels
• not known yet whether there are 2
o cells, mostly
types (one producing LH; another
1. Gonadotrophs
FSH) or just one type producing both
2. Thyrotrophs
hormones

Note: names of acidophils and basophils are

based on hormones that cell types secretes

2. Chromophobes
- Pale-staining with acid dyes
- Comprise 65% of epithelial cells
- actually consist of three (3) types of cells:

a. Chromophils (majority & mostly

corticotrophs)
• resting
§ have just released their secretory
granules
§ in process of producing secretory
granules
c) Pars intermedia (intermediate lobe)
§ few granules that don’t manifest in LM
• thin and poorly developed region of the
gland
b. Folliculostellate cells (FS cells)
• separates anterior from posterior lobe
• nonsecretory with branching processes • boundary with anterior demarcated by
• form supporting network for other cells groove that represents original lumen of
Rathke’s pouch
c. Undifferentiated stem cells • better developed in fetus; rudimentary in
adults
• has follicles (Rathke’s cysts) that contain
eosinophilic colloidal material
TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 6
LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 • Parenchymal cells: lobes of the pituitary
o form irregular clusters gland
o contain fine secretory granules
o synthesize Note:
§ melanocyte stimulating hormone • each hypophysiotropic hormone exerts
(MSH) control over more than one pituitary
- in adults, production is minimal hormone, e.g.
to nil • TRH stimulates production of
- physiologic action in humans is thyrotropin and prolactin
unknown • GnRH stimulates secretion of both
§ may also produce β endorphins FSH and LH

HYPOTHALAMIC CONTROL ON ANTERIOR OF v axons of nerve cells that produce

PITUITARY GLAND hypophysiotropic hormones end in median
eminence
• Hormones of anterior lobe of pituitary v hormones brought to anterior pituitary by
o somatotropin hypophyseoportal system
o prolactin
o thyrotropin PINEAL GLAND (EPIPHYSIS CEREBRI)
o corticotropin
• small; cone
o FSH
o LH shaped
o length
= 8mm
• Hypophysiotropic Hormones
(neurohormones) o weight
• growth hormone releasing = 120
hormone (GRH) mg
• growth hormone inhibiting • arises as
hormone (GIH; somatostatin; evagination of
SS) roof of
• prolactin inhibiting hormone diencephalon
• thyrotropin releasing hormone • base attached to roof of 3rd ventricle by two
(TRH) stalks
• corticotropin releasing • in children,
well-
hormone (CRH)
• luteinizing hormone releasing developed
hormone (LHRH; • at puberty,
gonadotropin releasing starts to
hormone; GnRH) involute
o hormone secretion of the pituitary glands
is regulated by the hypothalamus PINEAL GLAND: HISTOLOGY
through hypophysiotropic hormones
o stored in terminations of axons in the • Capsule
median eminence - thin connective tissue
o secreted to capillaries and transported to - derived from the pia mater
target cells via hypophyseoportal ↑age = ↑hyalinization of parts
system
• Hypophyseoportal System • Septae
- plexus of veins that - incompletely divide
travel from the median organ into lobules.
eminence to the
anterior lobe of the • Cells
pituitary gland 1. Pinealocytes
- is a portal system (chief cell)
- receives blood from • parenchymal cells
capillaries in median that fill the
eminence and lobules of the
sinusoidal capillaries pineal gland
from the ant. and post. • modified neurons

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 7

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 • 95% of cell population
• large nucleus THYROID GLAND
• poorly defined cell borders
• irregular or bloated large nucleus w/ • largest endocrine
prominent nucleolus gland
• in cords or clusters surrounded by • 25-40 g in
fenestrated capillaries weight; slightly
bigger in women
2. Interstitial cells (glial cells) than in men
• supporting cells dispersed among • arises as epithelial
pinealocytes invagination at
• comprise 5 % of cell population base of tongue
• similar to astrocytes morphologically • remains connected
• ↑age = ↑number for a time to base
of tongue by
3. Mast cells thyroglossal duct that later disappears
• few • Foramen cecum
• explains organ’s high histamine o indicates point of origin of thyroid
content gland
o apex of the V-shaped furrow (sulcus
• Brain sand terminalis) that separates anterior
(acervulus; 2/3 from posterior 1/3 of tongue.
psammoma • Parts:
bodies;corpora o two lateral lobes (right and left)
arenacea) § broad inferiorly but tapered
- distinctive superiorly
feature of § adhere to the lateral
gland aspects of the pharynx,
- calcified, larynx, esophagus and
extracellular trachea
bodies § inferior border at level of 6th
- concentric, lamellar structures tracheal cartilage
- increase in number with age o connected by isthmus
- radiopaque § horizontal bridge of
- gland sometimes used as a landmark glandular tissue connecting
in X-ray studies of brain. the lateral lobes
§ extends across the trachea
in front of the 2nd and 3rd
PINEAL GLAND: HORMONE tracheal cartilages
§ has a small pyramidal lobe
• Melatonin in some individuals
- hormone elaborated by pinealocytes - consists of glandular
- secretion is stimulated by darkness tissue that extends
and inhibited by light upward from the
- In animals that breed seasonally: isthmus
o regulates sexual development THYROID GLAND: HISTOLOGY
o regulates reproductive cycle
(seasonal breeding), hibernation • Capsule
and other metabolic processes o Two capsules:
- In humans: o Outer capsule
o blood level has diurnal pattern; § derived from pretracheal layer of the
higher at night than during day deep cervical fascia
o blood level much higher in children o True capsule
than adults § closely invests gland
o physiologic function not known yet § septae divides organ into poorly-
o it may affect circadian rhythms and defined lobules
sleep patterns • Lobules
o marketed as a dietary supplement o Follicles
§ 0.02 – 0.09 mm in diameter

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 8

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 § several comprise each lobule
§ irregular spherical, cystic structures
that fill the lobules
§ Colloid
- homogenous, gel-like material in
cavity of follicles.

THYROID GLAND: HORMONES

1.) Thyroid hormones

- Thyroxine (T4)
- Triiodothyronine (T3)

• produced and secreted by follicular cells

but NOT directly synthesized
• regulate metabolism of proteins, carbs,
§ Inactive Follicles fats and some vitamins
- epithelial cells are
squamous or cuboidal 2.) Calcitonin (Thyrocalcitonin)
- colloid is acidophilic
§ Active Follicles • synthesized and secreted by
- epithelial cells are tall parafollicular cells
cuboidal or columnar • lowers blood Ca level
- colloid is basophilic o through suppression of bone
§ wall formed by simple epithelium resorption of osteoclasts
o secretory activity is regulated by
• Cells of Simple Epithelium blood calcium levels
1. Follicular (principal) cells o ↑Ca Levels =↑Calcitonin; ↓Ca
- comprise overwhelming majority Levels = ↓Calcitonin
- round nucleus that contains fine
chromatin material THYROID HORMONES: SYNTHESIS
- cytoplasm is slightly basophilic
- luminal surfaces are provided with 1. Thyroglobulin is synthesized and
numerous microvilli not discernible discharged to colloid via exocytosis
under LM 2. Iodine from capillary blood is
- The taller the cells and the more transported to the lumen of the follicle
basophilic the colloid, the more active 3. In the colloid, tyrosine residues in
the follicle thyroglobulin are iodinated and
- If epithelial cells are low (i.e., condensed
squamous) and colloid is acidophilic, 4. With aid of enzyme thyroid peroxidase,
follicle is hypofunctional. T3 & T4 are formed

2. Parafollicular cells *Thyroglobulin à Tyrosine residues

- a.k.a., mitochondria-rich cells; C cells; (iodinated and condensed) + thyroid
clear cells peroxidase à T4 & T3
- 0.1% of cell population
- scattered singly or in small groups in THYROID HORMONES: SECRETION
epithelium
- much bigger & lighter-staining than 1. Follicular cells ingest colloid via
follicular cells endocytosis
- They form part of follicular epithelium 2. Peptide bonds of T3 & T4 to
(as per EM). thyroglobulin are hydrolyzed

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 9

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 3. Thyroid hormones bound to • Capsule
thyroglobulin are released into the - thin connective tissue
capillaries - septae incompletely subdivide gland into
lobules
• Thyrotropin (TSH; • Parenchyma
thyroid stimulating 1. Epithelial cells
hormone) o in cords and clusters
o controls T3 and a.) Chief (principal) cells
T4 secretion in o majority of the cells
response to o relatively small (8-10 µm in
thyrotropin- diameter)
releasing o polyhedral; homogeneous
hormone (TRH) cytoplasm is faintly
from eosinophilic
hypothalamus o elaborate and secrete
parathyroid hormone (PTH;
PARATHYROID GLAND parathormone)

b.) Oxyphil cells (acidophil cells)

o appear shortly before puberty
• length = 6 mm
o increase in number with age
• width = 3-4 mm
o occur singly or in clusters
• 1-2 mm thick &
o bigger than chief cells but
50 mg in weight
nuclei slightly smaller
• usually 2 pairs
o cytoplasm with many acidophilic
(superior and
granules and hence, intensely
inferior)
eosinophilic
• yellowish-
o nonsecretory and function is
brown, tiny,
unknown
ovoid bodies
o maybe chief cells that are in a
attached to posterior surface of thyroid gland
different physiological state.
• lie within capsule of thyroid gland

• Origin:
- Inferior parathyroid glands arise
from 3rd pharyngeal pouch together
with thymus and rests on posterior
thyroid glands.

- Superior parathyroid glands arise

from 4th pharyngeal pouch and attach
themselves to thyroid glands and
migrate to the inferior portion of the
neck.

PARATHYROID GLAND: HISTOLOGY 2. Capillaries

o numerous
3. Adipose cells
o practically none at birth
o at age 25, comprise about 30% of
volume of gland
o increase with age
4. Follicles
o occasionally present in older
individuals
o resemble those found in the thyroid
gland.

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 10

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 PARATHYROID GLAND: HORMONE
• Parathyroid hormone (PTH; ADRENAL GLAND: HISTOLOGY
parathormone)
o only hormone produced by parathyroid
gland
o secreted by chief cells
o most important regulator of blood
calcium level
o increases circulating blood level of
calcium by
§ inhibiting bone formation by
osteoblasts
§ stimulating osteoblasts to secrete
osteoclast stimulating factor
§ enhancing calcium reabsorption in
renal tubules
§ increasing conversion of vitamin D
to its active form • Capsule
§ increasing excretion of phosphate o relatively thick
by kidneys o collagenous connective tissue; rich in
§ promoting absorption of calcium in reticular fibers
digestive tract. o elements penetrate gland up to
o secretion dictated by blood levels of medulla.
ionized calcium • Parts:
§ high calcium level inhibits o differ embryologically, structurally
secretion and calcium is deposited and functionally
in bone o Cortex
§ low calcium level stimulates § outer area
secretion § completely surrounds medulla
§ mesodermal origin; derive from
mesothelial cells
ADRENAL GLAND § essential for life
• a.k.a, suprarenal gland § some of its hormones play vital
• paired (left roles in metabolic activities
and right), o Medulla
flat, § Ectodermal origin; derived from
pyramidal neural crest cells
organs § not essential for life
• on upper § hormones help individual cope
pole of with emergencies.
kidneys
• each weighs CORTEX
about 5 g • 80-90% of adrenal gland
and 50 mm • produce steroid hormones (adrenocortical
long or hormones)
high, 30 • produces numerous hormones, but only a
mm wide and 10 mm thick. few are important
• Hilus 1. Mineralocorticoids
o indentation at middle of anteromedial o Aldosterone
aspect 2. Glucocorticoids
o where adrenal vein leaves gland o Cortisol
(note: adrenal arteries enter gland o Corticosterone
through capsule). 3. Androgens
o Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
o Androstenedione

• Layers:
1. Zona glomerulosa
o 10 - 15% of cortex

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 11

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 o occupies outermost region o cells form long, thin (usually one-
o rounded or pyramidal cells arranged cell thick), straight cords arranged
in irregular ovoid clusters perpendicular to capsule
o cords separated by sinusoids that
are supported by fine connective
tissue septae.

o Parenchymal Cells (also called

spongiocytes)
• large, polyhedral
• vesicular nucleus with
prominent nucleolus
• abundant, faintly-basophilic
cytoplasm
• cytoplasm vacuolated because
of many lipid droplets – hence
the name
o Glucocorticoids
• hormones produced by cells of
this zona
• mainly cortisol and
corticosterone
• regulate carbohydrate, lipid and
protein metabolism
• primary regulator of the activity
of cells of zona fasciculata is
corticotropin (ACTH) from
anterior pituitary

o Cell clusters separated by sinusoids

that are supported by fine connective
tissue septae
o Cells have
§ deeply-staining nucleus with one
or two nucleoli
§ cytoplasm is scanty and
eosinophilic
o mineralocorticoids, mainly
aldosterone
§ hormone produced by
parenchymal cells of this zona
§ increases Na+ reabsorption by
collecting tubules of kidney
§ control of aldosterone secretion
- mainly by renin-angiotensin
system of kidneys
- secondarily by corticotropin
(ACTH) from anterior pituitary

2. Zona fasciculata
o thickest layer (78 - 80%) of adrenal
cortex

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LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 3. Zona reticularis
o innermost and thinnest layer (5 -
10% of volume of cortex) MEDULLA
o cells small and arranged in short • comprises only
anastomosing cords 10-20% of
o between cords are sinusoids adrenal gland
o cells histologically similar to cells of • thin region
zona fasciculata but less vacuolated completely
(less lipid droplets) surrounded by
o nucleus stain more intensely cortex
o Hormones: • central part
• a small quantity of with large
glucocorticoids (cortisol and medullary veins
corticosterone) that drain entire
• androgens gland
dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEA) and androstenedione
• Parenchymal
- activity less than 20% those
Cells
of testicular androgens
- hardly any physiological effect
1.) Chromaffin cells
on normal people
o most of adrenal medulla consists of
- not enough to induce
these cells.
masculinization of women
o arranged in groups or thick cords that
§ primary regulator of activity of
are surrounded by sinusoids and richly
cells of this zone is corticotropin
supplied with nerves
(ACTH)
o all are associated with endings of
§ gonadotropins do not affect cells
preganglionic sympathetic neurons
of zona reticularis.
o polyhedral parenchymal cells
o large, darkly-staining nucleus
o basophilic cytoplasm
o so-called because of secretory granules
that turn brown when treated with an
oxidizing agent, like chromate
(chromaffin reaction)

2.) Ganglion cells (neurons)

o neurons scattered among

chromaffin cells
o sources of the myelinated
nerves that are associated w/
chromaffin cells

• Secretions:
o Three kinds of catecholamines
1. Epinephrine (adrenaline)
§ secreted by 90% of chromaffin
cells
2. Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)

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LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 § secreted by 10% of chromaffin cells that form a compact mass
cells o polygonal
- stronger chromaffin reaction o polarized toward the capillaries into
- granules more electron dense which they discharge their secretions
o more numerous in the tail than in the
3.Dopamine body or head of the pancreas
§ cells that secrete this have not
been identified yet • Cells types:
1.) a cell (A cell)
v Chromaffin cells also synthesize a wide- - about 20% of islet cells
variety of: - large cell and most occupy
o Bioactive amines peripheral areas of islet
o Peptides - electron-dense secretory granules
of uniform size
• Paraganglia - secretes glucagon
o small clusters of chromaffin
cells found outside the adrenal 2.) β cell (B cell)
medulla - most numerous, 60-75% of islet
o associated with: cells
- autonomic ganglion - most are in central area of islets
- nerves of the sympathetic - smallest of the cells of islet
nervous system - secretory granules smaller and less
- aorta electron dense than A cell
- secretes insulin
ISLETS OF LANGERHANS
3.) δ cell (D cell)
- only about 5% of islet cell
population
- scattered singly all over islets
- largest of islet cells
- secretory granules similar to A cells
but less electron dense
- secretes somatostatin

4.) F cell (PP cell)

- rare
- widely scattered and sometimes
• aggregations of pale-staining cells (in H & occurs among the pancreatic acini
E preparations) scattered throughout - secretory granules irregular in
darker staining cells of exocrine pancreas shape and variable electron density
• 100-200 µm in diameter - secretes pancreatic polypeptide
• islet is surrounded by thin layer of fine
reticular fibers; with rich supply of v Not distinguishable in H & E
capillaries. v Distinguished from each other by
• over a million in number employing special staining,
• combined immunocytochemistry techniques and EM
volume = only (by structure of secretory granules)
2% of v Each cell type secretes a different
pancreas hormone.
• more numerous
in tail than in
body or head of ISLETS OF LANGERHANS: HORMONES
gland 1. Glucagon
• secreted by a cell (A cell)
• Cells: 2. Insulin
o each islet • secreted by b cell (B cell)
has 2 to 3 3. Somatostatin
thousand • secreted by δ cell (D cell)

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 14

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 also produced by some cells of digestive
• c. zona fasciculata
tract and hypothalamus d. Medulla
• but, physiologic effect of hypothalamic
somatostatin different 6. The cells of which region of the adrenal gland
4. Pancreatic polypeptide
synthesize norepinephrine and epinephrine?
• secreted by F cell (PP cell).
Select one:
a. zona fasciculate
Notes: b. zona glomerulosa
c. medulla
1. Purely from the book and the lecture
d. zona reticularis
2. Best supplemented with the book

7. TRUE of the islets of Langerhans?
REFERENCES: a. They are ectodermal in origin.
b. Their cells are paler-staining than the acinar cells of
1. Lecture Notes the pancreas.
2. PPT c. They are more numerous in the head than the body
3. Doc Ed’s Histo Book
and tail of the pancreas.
4. Google Images
d. All of the above

PAST EVALUATIONS (2018-2019) 8. The epithelial cells of which part of the pituitary gland
synthesize MSH?
1. The nerve cell bodies of the parvocellular secretory a. posterior lobe
neurons are located in the: b. pars tuberalis
a. Thalamus c. pars intermedia
b. hypothalamus d. anterior lobe Incorrect
c. median eminence
d. none of the above 9. Herring bodies, which are made up of secretory
granules that contain ADH and oxytocin can be found in
2. Cortisol is a hormone that is synthesized by: the:
a. Pinealocytes a. Neurohypophysis
b. Chromophils b. Adenohypophysis
c. oxyphils c. hypothalamus
d.Spongiocytes 10. Folliculostellate (FS) cells that are found in the
adenohypophysis are:
3. TRUE of the thyroid follicles: a. Basophils
a. Their wall is formed by follicular and parafollicular b. Stem cells
cells. c. chromophobes
b. Their cavity is filled with a gelatinous material called d. Acidophils
colloid.
c. When inactive, their epithelial cells are low cuboidal 11. Which of the following cells are acidophils?
or squamous. a. Corticotrophs
d. All of the above b. Thyrotrophs
c. gonadotrophs
4. Parathormone is synthesized by: d. Somatotrophs
a. parafollicular cells
b. follicular cells 12. The cell nuclei in the neurohypophysis are mostly
c. oxyphils those of:
d. chief cells a. Chromophils
b. neurosecretory neurons
5. In the adrenals, aldosterone is synthesized by the c. pituicytes
cells in the: d. Chromophobes
a. zona glomerulosa
b. zona reticularis 13. Most chromophobes are:

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 15

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
a. thyrotrophs d. All of the above
b. mammotrophs
c. corticotrophs 20. TRUE of the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland:
d. somatotrophs synthesize melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH),
endorphin
14. Rathke’s cysts, follicles that contain colloidal
a. It is characterized by follicles called Rathke’s cysts
material, characterize which part of the pituitary gland?
that contain colloidal material.
a. intermediate lobe
b. It is part of the neurohypophysis.
b. posterior lobe
c. anterior lobe c. It synthesizes melatonin.
d. pars tuberalis d. A & C above

15. TRUE of the pineal gland: 21. Corticotropin is secreted by which cells of the
a. It arises as an evagination of the oral ectoderm pituitary gland?
b. Melatonin is produced by its chief cells. a. acidophils
c. Its most numerous cellular elements are glial cells, b. basophils
which are also called interstitial cells. c. pituicytes
d. All of the above d. none of the above

16. TRUE of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland: or
22. The hypothalamohypophyseal tract is made up of
neurohypophysis
the axons of neurons that secrete:
a. It comprises about 70% of the pituitary gland.
a. hypophysiotropic hormones
b. Its cells synthesize the posterior pituitary hormones.
b. oxytocin and ADH
c. Most of its cellular elements are called pituicytes.
c. both
d. B & C above
d. neither


17. TRUE of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland:
23. TRUE of the hypophysiotropic hormones:
a. It is developmentally a downgrowth of the
a. They are synthesized by the magnocellular secretory
hypothalamus
neurons of the hypothalamus.
b. The secretion of its cells are controlled mainly by the
b. They are stored in the axonal terminations of
hypophysiotrophic hormones that travel from the
secretory neurons, which are located in the pituitary
hypothalamus to the anterior lobe via the
stalk and posterior lobe of the pituitary gland
hypothalamohypophyseal tract.
c. They reach their target cells in the anterior lobe of
c. In LM preparations that use acid dyes, its
the pituitary gland via the hypophyseal portal system.
parenchymal cells can be classified into acidophils,
d. All of the above
basophils and chromophobes.

d. All of the above
24. TRUE of the pineal gland:

a. It synthesizes melanocyte-stimulating hormone
18. The following are basophils, EXCEPT:
b. Its cellular elements include pinealocytes, interstitial
a. thyrotrophs
cells and mast cells.
b. gonadotrophs
c. It contains calcified structures called Herring bodies.
c. corticotrophs
d. All of the above
d. mammotrophs


25. Cortisol is produced by:
19. TRUE of the pars tuberalis of the pituitary gland:
a. parafollicular cells
a. It forms an incomplete tubular sleeve around the
B. pinealocytes
pituitary stalk.
c. oxyphils
b. Its parenchymal cells are mostly gonadotrophs and
d. spongiocytes
thyrotrophs.

c. It is traversed by the blood vessels that comprise the
26. Phaechromocytes refer to the cells of the:
hypophyseoportal system.

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 16

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
a. pineal gland pituitary gland. What are the regions of adrenal gland
b. intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland regulated by ACTH? -> zona fasciculata and reticularis
c. adrenal medulla a. zona glomerulosa
d. none of the above b. zona fasciculata
c. medulla
27. TRUE of the follicular cells of the thyroid gland: d. all of the above
a. They comprise the simple epithelium that forms the
wall of the thyroid follicle. 34. TRUE of the islets of Langerhans: more numerous in
b. They synthesize T3 and T4. tail than in body/head of gland
c. In active thyroid follicles, they are squamous or low a. They are inside the pancreatic lobules.
cuboidal. b. Each islet consists of 2,000 to 3,000 cells pale-staining
d. All of the above cells that form a compact mass.
c. Each islet is enveloped by a thin layer of reticular
28. TRUE of the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland: tissue. with rich supply of capillaries
a. They synthesize T3 but not T4. d. All of the above.
b. They are bigger than the follicular cells.
c. Their activity is regulated by thyrotropin. 35. TRUE of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans:
d. B & C above a. They produce insulin.
b. They are the largest among the cells in the islets
29. Osteoclasts are the target cells of which hormone? c. They are mostly in the peripheral areas of the islets.
a. parathormone d. All of the above.
b. glucagon
c. calcitonin
d. dopamine

30. TRUE of the chief cells of the parathyroid gland:
a. They secrete parathormone.
b. They are absent in children but appear shortly before
puberty.
c. They are smaller and more basophilic than the oxyphil
cells.
d. A & C above

31. Region of the adrenal gland that produces
androstenedione:
a. zona reticularis
b. zona glomerulosa
c. zona fasciculata
d. medulla

32. Norepinephrine is synthesized by cells of the:
a. adrenal medulla
b. paraganglia
c. islets of Langerhans
d. A & B above

33. Region/s of the adrenal gland that is/are primarily
regulated by hormone/s that come from the anterior

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 17

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY
18

SUMMARY

Neurons of the Nuclei Hormones

hypothalamus and the
termination of their axons in
neurohypophysis
Magnocellular secretory 1. Supraoptic 3. ADH
neurons → Posterior lobe of 2. Paraventricular 4. Oxytocin
pituitary
Mnemonic: MAPS
Parvocellular secretory 1. Arcuate 1. CRH
neurons → Median 2. Paraventricular 2. TRH
eminence 3. Periventricular 3. GnRH
Mnemonic: PAPPe 4. GRH
5. GIH
6. PIH
• Pituicytes – supporting cells (similar to stellate cells), interconnected with gap junctions
• Herring bodies – aggregations of secretory granules; deeply-staining, basophilic
Adenohypophysis
Anterior lobe (Pars distalis) Parenchymal cells:
• Epithelial cells (secretory) • Chromophils
• Fenestrated sinusoids 1. Acidophils (alpha cells)
• Minimal amount of Mnemonic: ASiM
reticular tissue a. Somatotrophs –
Somatotropin/Growth Hormone
b. Mammotrophs –
Prolactin/Mammotropin; larger
secretory granules
*Somatomammotrophs
2. Basophils (beta cells); less numerous but
larger
Mnemonic: Tara, BGC
a. Thyrotrophs –
Thyrotropin/Thyroid-stimulating
hormone (TSH); polygonal with
long cytoplasmic processes,
smallest granules
b. Corticotrophins –
Corticotropin/Adrenocorticotropin
hormone (ACTH); ovoid cells
c. Gonadotrophins – Gonadotropins
(LH, FSH); large, round cells
• Chromophobes
TRANSCRIBERS: RJB, DaraC, JaraD, GiezelG, EllaG, LemuelP, ArrizaS, JayT (Group 7A) 18
SUBTRANSHEAD: RJ BELTRAN
 1. Folliculostellate cell (FS cell) – long
branching processes, non-secretory,
supportive
2. Stem cell
Pars tuberalis (Pars • Gonadotrophs
infundibularis) • Thyrotrophs
• Separated from pituitary
stalk by connective tissue
continuous with pia-
arachnoid membrane
• Hypophyseoportal system
Intermediate lobe (Pars • Parenchymal cells secrete:
intermedia) 1. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)
• Follicles (Rathke’s cysts) 2. β endorphins

Pineal gland Thyroid gland Parathyroid gland

• Pinealocytes – • Follicles – spherical, cystic • Epithelial cells

Melatonin; modified structures • Adipose cells
neurons; poorly o Colloid • Follicles
defined borders and o Simple epithelium • Parenchymal cells:
basophilic cytoplasm (Inactive: squamous or o Chief cells (Principal
• Interstitial cells cuboidal, acidophilic cells) – Parathyroid
• Mast cells Active: Tall cuboidal or hormone;
• Brain sands – calcified columnar, basophilic) polyhedral;
bodies; radioopaque Cells of the simple epithelium: prominent, large,
• Follicular cells (Principal cells) – vesicular nucleus;
Thyroglobulin (will be T3 and eosinophilic;
T4 once its tyrosine is secretory granules
iodinated); round nucleus; fine o Oxyphil cells
chromatin material; 1-2 (Acidophil cells) –
nucleoli; slightly basophilic; Absent in children;
microvilli non-secretory;
• Parafollicular cells bigger than chief
(Mitochondria rich cells/C cell; intensely
cells/Clear cells) – eosinophilic
Calitonin/Thyrocalcitonin; rest o Transitional cells –
on basal lamina; bigger and have structural
lighter-staining; small secretory characteristics
granules between chief and
oxyphil cells
Adrenal gland Pancreas

• Capsule • Islets of Langerhans

• Cortex Mnemonic: GABIDS
Mnemonic: GFR; Salt, Sugar, Sex o α-cells (A cells) – large; occupy
o Zona Glomerulosa – Rounded or peripheral areas of islet; secretory
pyramidal epithelial cells; deeply staining; granules are uniform
TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 19
LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales
 1-2 nucleoli; scanty and eosinophilic § Glucagon
§ Mineralocorticoids, mainly o β-cells (B cells) – smallest; most
aldosterone numerous; located centrally;
o Zona Fasciculata – parenchymal cells form secretory granules are smaller and
long, thin, straight cords; large and less electron-dense
polyhedral; faintly acidophilic with lipid § Insulin
droplets = vacuolated appearance o δ-cells (D cells) – largest; least
(spongiocytes) numerous; scattered; granules
§ Glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol similar to A cells
and corticosterone § Somatostatin
o Zona Reticularis – Parenchymal cells form o F cells (PP cells) – rare; scattered;
short anastomosing cords; less secretory granules are irregularly
vacuolated; nucleus stains more intensely; shaped
no mitosis; “graveyard” § Pancreatic polypeptide
§ Small quantity of glucocorticoids
(cortisol and corticosterone)
§ Androgens
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
and androstenedione
• Medulla
o Parenchymal cells (Chromaffin
cells/Phaeochromocytes) – polyhedral
with basophilic cytoplasm; larger and
more darkly-staining nucleus than cortical
cells; secretory granules = chromaffin
reaction
§ Catecholamines epinephrine and
norepinephrine; secretion
controlled by preganglionic
neurons
§ Bioactive amines and peptides
o Ganglion cells – round/polygonal with
prominent nuclei
o Paraganglia – chromaffins cells of
paraganglia secrete mainly
norepinephrine

TOPIC: 1. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - HISTOLOGY 20

LECTURER: Dr. Ed Gonzales