What is the primary effect of surgical removal of an endocrine gland?

The primary effect of surgical removal of an endocrine gland is related to hormone secretion. Endocrine glands are responsible for producing and releasing hormones directly into the bloodstream, which play crucial roles in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, and homeostasis.

When an endocrine gland is surgically removed, the immediate outcome is a significant reduction or cessation of hormone production from that gland. As a result, this change in hormone levels can lead to alterations in body metabolism and other physiological processes dependent on those hormones.

While body metabolism is affected as a secondary consequence of reduced hormone levels, it is ultimately the loss of hormone secretion that directly results from the surgical procedure. Thus, the primary effect centers on the immediate disruption of hormone balance rather than the broader implications on metabolism or any other bodily functions.