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ENDOCRINE GLANDS

Ductless Glands that produce HORMONES for secretion directly into the bloodstream (or lymph).  Some organs e.g. the PANCREAS also release secretions via a duct.  In addition to the pancreas the major endocrine glands are the THYROID, PITUATARY, PARATHYROID, OVARY and TESTIS.  Imbalances in the secretions of endocrine glands produce a variety of diseases.

ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID

Of the twenty amino acids required by the body, a number are termed essential, because they must be in the diet as they cannot be synthesized in the body.  The essential ones are: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, trytophan and valine.  In addition, infants require arginine and histidine.  A lack leads to protein deficiency, but they are available in meat, cheese and eggs, and all eight would be obtained if the diet contained corn and beans.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID

There are three polyunsaturated acids in this category which cannot be produced in the body – arachidonic, linoleic and linolenic.  These compounds are found in vegetable and fish oils and are vital in metabolism and proper functioning.  A deficiency may cause such symptoms as allergic conditions, skin disorders, poor hair and nails and so on.