Jaina Biology

SR No.: 001543
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: J C Sikdar
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Total Pages: 340
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Science, Biology, & Philosophy
File Size: 19 MB

Page 230

(Ninth Section ) THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
The integration of the activities of the various parts of the bodies of higher animals is achieved by two co-ordinating systems -- the nervous system, (nhärus ) as already discussed, and the endocrine system, (stomach, liver, kidney, ovaries, testes, etc.). The long-term adjustments of metabolism, growth, reproduction are typically under the control of the endocrine system.
As found in Jaina Biology, the endocrine system consists of stomach, liver, kidney, ovaries, testes, etc. Modern Biology adds to them pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroids and thymus, adrenals,
etc. 1
Stomach (āmrou or udara ),'a liver (Kāhjjam or yakịt ) and kidney (tanuyamta ?)b have already been discussed in the sections on "Digestive and Excretory systems". Ovaries (Kucchi-Kukși )2 and testes (Vasāna -andakasa )3 have both external secretions, via ducts and internal secretions carried by the blood stream. "The endocrine glands are distinguished by the fact that they secrete substances into the blood stream rather than into a duct leading to the outside of the body or to one of the internal organs."'4
According to modern Biology, "some glands-thyroid, parathyroids, pituitary and adernal function only in the secretion of hormones and are strictly ductless glands; others, such as, the pancreas, ovaries, and testes have both external secretions carried by the stream.''5
Testes :
In addition to cells that manufacture sperm ( sukka ),5a "the testes contain cells that produce, the male sex hormone, testosterone". It is
1. Biology, p. 389. Ila Kalyanakäraka 3.4, Taudula Veyaliya 17, p. 38. 1/b Tandula Veyaliya 16, p. 35. 2. Tandula Veyaliya 2. p. 6. Ovaries are connected by 2 fallopian tubes 3. Panhavagaraņa 1.3 ; see Pāisadda mahaman, p. 752 4. Biology p. 3.8. 5. Biology p. 388. 5.Tandula Veyaliya 16, p. 35; sthânānga 5 ( sukkapoggale ) 6. Biology, p. 399 ; Sukka, Tandula. Veyaliya. 2. p...6.15