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Endocrine
System of the Cat
This system includes
several glands that produce hormones. Hormones are substances that travel
through the blood stream and affect other organs. The major function of the
endocrine system is to regulate numerous bodily functions, using specific
hormones as messengers. The
system is distributed throughout the body, as follows:
- The hypothalamus - at the base of the brain.
- The pituitary gland - on the base of the brain, attached to the
hypothalamus via a stalk-like structure.
- The thyroid gland - in the neck, below the larynx (voice box).
- Two parathyroid glands - in the neck, closely associated with the
thyroid gland.
- Two adrenal glands - in the abdominal cavity in front of the
kidneys.
- The gastrointestinal (GI) tract - in the abdominal cavity.
- The pancreas - in the forward part of the abdominal cavity, behind
the liver and stomach.
- The liver - in the front of the abdomen, just behind the diaphragm
and below the stomach.
- The ovaries - in the middle part of the abdominal cavity near the
kidneys.
- The testes - in the scrotum.
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