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The Endocrine System
The Endocrine System
The endocrine system influences almost every cell, organ, and function of the body. It regulates mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, and reproductive processes. The endocrine system maintains homeostasis by regulating metabolism, water and mineral balance, growth and development, and reproduction.
The endocrine system is in charge of body processes that happen slowly, such as cell growth. Faster processes like breathing and body movement are monitored by the nervous system. Even though the nervous and endocrine systems are separate, they often work together to help the body function properly.
The endocrine system relies on the hormones and glands.
A gland is an organ that produces and secretes substances to perform a specific function.
Exocrine glands release secretions to the exterior or inside the body. (Examples: sweat, tears, milk)
Endocrine glands, release hormones directly into the bloodstream to be transported to cells throughout the body. (Examples: insulin, estrogen, testosterone)
The endocrine system produces many hormones. Hormones are chemicals that regulate processes and promote growth and sex characteristics, control body temperature, assist in the repair of broken tissue, and to generate energy for the body.
As the body's chemical messengers, hormones transfer information and instructions from one set of cells to another. Each type of hormone is designed to affect only certain cells.
The glands of the endocrine system can be found in various parts of the body.
The hypothalamus is considered part of the brain and the endocrine system. It receives signals from the nervous system and releases hormones into the blood.
Glands produce hormones based on feedback systems in the body.
Feedback Systems
Feedback Systems
The systems of the body work together to respond to threats in the environment.
1) Sensors throughout the body and skin detect changes in temperature, pH, gases, hormone levels etc. This can include visual and sound cues.
2) The sensors relay information to the brain to process what type of response is needed.
3) A response is sent out to the body through the nervous and/or endocrine systems.
4) The nervous system sends electrical signals and the endocrine system delivers hormones to the target. The target may involve another system that can respond to the threat.
When a threat occurs, the hypothalamus triggers the release of stress hormones to speed up the heart rate to deliver blood through the body.
In a fight or flight situation, which systems of the body respond to the threat and how do the systems work together?
In a fight or flight situation, which systems of the body respond to the threat and how do the systems work together?
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