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Endocrine
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What Is the endocrine system?
What does
the endocrine system do?
What makes
up the endocrine system?
What kind
of problems occur from the endocrine system?
Where can I get additional information on the endocrine system?
Where can I buy home test kits for contributing factors of this
condition?
What Is the
Endocrine System? (top)
The Endocrine System is a collection of glands (a gland is a group of
cells that produces and gives off chemicals) that produces hormones (a
chemical messenger from one cell (or group of cells) to another) that
regulate your body's growth, metabolism, and sexual development and
function.
The hormones are released into the bloodstream and transported to
tissues and organs throughout your body.
What does the endocrine
system do? (top)
The endocrine system regulates its hormones through negative feedback.
When there is an increase in hormone activity it will decrease the
production of that hormone. The immune system and other factors
contribute as control factors also, altogether maintaining constant
levels of hormones.
What makes up the
endocrine system? (top)
There are 7 glands and 1 organ that make up the human endocrine system:
-
Hypothalamus - located in the lower, central part of the brain,
is a collection of specialized cells that links the endocrine system and
the nervous system.
-
Pituitary - located at the base of the brain, just below the
hypothalamus is considered the most important part of the endocrine
system because it makes hormones that control several other endocrine
glands.
-
Thyroid - located in the front part of the lower neck, produces
hormones that control the rate at which cells burn fuels from food to
produce energy.
-
Parathyroid- are 2 pairs of small glands on the surface of the
thyroid gland, one pair on each side. They release a hormone, which
plays a role in regulating calcium levels in the blood and bone
metabolism.
-
Adrenals - There are 2 adrenal glands that are located on top of
each kidney. Each adrenal gland produces a set of hormones and has a
different function:
The outer part produces a hormones that regulates salt and water balance
in the body, the body's response to stress, metabolism, the immune
system, and sexual development and function.
The inner part produces a hormone to help the body cope with physical
and emotional stress by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure.
(i.e. adrenaline).
-
Pineal gland - located in the middle of the brain, secretes a
hormone, which may help regulate the wake-sleep cycle of the body.
-
Pancreas - The pancreas is an elongated organ located toward the
back of the abdomen behind the stomach, which secretes hormones called
insulin and glucagons. These hormones regulate the level of glucose
(sugar) in the blood.
-
Reproductive glands - The reproductive glands are the main source
of sex hormones.
In males they secrete hormones called androgens; the most important of
which is testosterone. These hormones affect many male characteristics
as well as sperm production.
In females they produce estrogen and progesterone as well as eggs. These
hormones control the development of female characteristics and they are
also involved in reproductive functions.
What
kind of problems occur from the endocrine system?
(top)
Too much or too little of any hormone can be harmful to the body.
If the pituitary gland produces too much or not enough growth hormone, a
child may grow very tall or not at all. Other types of serious medical
conditions that can occur are:
-
Type 1 diabetes; When the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin.
-
Type 2 diabetes the body is unable to respond to insulin normally.
-
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the levels of thyroid
hormones in the blood are excessively high.
-
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the levels of thyroid
hormones in the blood are abnormally low.
Where can I get additional information on the endocrine system?
(top)
For more information please visit the National Institutes of Health
website
here.
Click here to buy
home test kits for
contributing factors of this condition
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