Function Of Endocrine System

The endocrine system, which is made of various glands, perhaps is one of the most overlooked systems. This is because people are unaware of the functions of endocrine system and hence, do not give too much importance to it. However, this is the system that ensures girls look like girls and boys look like boys. In other words, sexual development occurs due to the endocrine system. Besides this, the system is in-charge of growth as well metabolism in the body.

The glands that make up the endocrine system are without ducts. As a result they direct secrete the respective hormones into the bloodstream. The blood then carries the hormones to the necessary cells in the body. In the cells, the hormones join with receptor cells and then send out a signal that causes the cells to begin acting. This way the hormones have control over the functioning of an organ and also over organ development and organ growth.

The hormones are also responsible for the sexual characteristics display by the organs, and the way they act after this development. Furthermore, hormones tell the cells how to store and use energy, and they control the levels of salt, sugar and fluid in the body.

However, there are several glands that comprise the endocrine system and each gland secretes its own hormone. And each hormone is responsible for a specific task. These different tasks together make up the functions of the endocrine system.

Nature has truly made the human body unique. It is a properly controlled unit with a feedback system. This system ensures that hormones are released only when required. So, the glands only release their hormones into the bloodstream when required, and when hormones are no longer needed, the glands stop producing and secreting their respective hormones. Some glands are inter-dependent. For instance, the pituitary and thyroid glands work together. When the latter is working properly, the pituitary reduces its secretion of thyrotropin hormone. This hormone is the one that triggers the thyroid to secret thyroid hormones. However, the pituitary gland is the master gland. It practically controls all the other glands of the endocrine system.

Without the presence of the endocrine system, many bodily functions would not occur. What many people take for granted, like getting an adrenaline rush or experiencing fight-or-flight response, is all due to this system. Even the reproductive organs, the ovaries in women and testes in men, come under the purview of this system.

More Articles :

• Endocrine Systems Overview
• Function Of Endocrine System
• Organs Of The Endocrine System
• Overview Of Endocrine System
• The Evolution Of The Endocrine System
• What Is Endocrinology ?
• What Is Reproductive Endocrinology ?

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http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/body_basics/endocrine.html#