Overview Of Endocrine System

The endocrine system is where the hormones required by the body are produced. These hormones are chemicals, which stimulate certain bodily functions. The system is responsible for controlling growth of the body, ensuring that sexual organs development, development of secondary sexual characteristics and controlling metabolism in the body. Without this system, it would not be possible for the body to work efficiently.

The glands that make up the endocrine system are without ducts. Hence, they release their hormones directly into the blood. Once the hormones enter the blood, they are transported to other parts of the body where they bind with receptor cells. Once the binding is complete, the hormones send a trigger to the cells and this stimulate the cells to act based on the message they receive.

There are many glands that form the endocrine system. Some of them include the pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pineal body, ovaries and testes. Even the pancreas is part of the endocrine system. In fact, this organ has a dual role to play. It aids in digestion as well as production of hormones.

If the endocrine system does not work properly, the body will suffer from a hormonal imbalance. If this should happen, then the person will have many health related problems. For instance, if the pituitary gland does not work properly during childhood and does not secret sufficient amount of growth hormone, it could result in dwarfism in the child. On the other hand, if the pituitary secretes too much growth hormone, it would result in gigantism. Diabetes is a result of an endocrine problem. When the pancreas does not secret sufficient amounts of insulin, it results in diabetes.

Each and every gland of the endocrine system is responsible for secreting specific hormones. And, each hormone has a specific task. However, all the glands in the system are controlled by the pituitary, which is often referred to as the master gland.

The endocrine system also has a mechanism to ensure that too much hormones are not released. The moment the hormones are at an appropriate level, the system switches off the production of that particular hormone. This ensures that the hormones are always in the required amounts in the body. If and when the need arises, the body sends a trigger through the brain which activates the production and secretion of the hormone.

While the body has many other organs also manufacture and release hormones, they do not come under the endocrine system. For instance, sweat glands and epithelial cells of the small intestine. The endocrine system and its working is the responsibility of the glands mentioned earlier.

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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