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Endocrine System

The endocrine system consists of glands and organs that produce and release hormones, regulating vital functions such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Key components include major glands like the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, which release hormones that act on specific target organs. Disorders such as diabetes and thyroid imbalances can disrupt these hormonal functions, highlighting the system's importance in maintaining homeostasis.

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Endocrine System

The endocrine system consists of glands and organs that produce and release hormones, regulating vital functions such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Key components include major glands like the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, which release hormones that act on specific target organs. Disorders such as diabetes and thyroid imbalances can disrupt these hormonal functions, highlighting the system's importance in maintaining homeostasis.

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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The endocrine system is a collection of glands and organs in the body that produce, store, and release

hormones. These hormones regulate many vital functions and processes, including growth, metabolism,
reproduction, mood, and homeostasis (maintaining a stable internal environment).

Key Components of the Endocrine System


1. Glands
These are specialized organs that release hormones directly into the bloodstream. Major glands
include:
o Pituitary Gland: Often called the "master gland," it controls other endocrine glands and
regulates growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
o Thyroid Gland: Regulates metabolism, energy levels, and calcium balance.

o Parathyroid Glands: Maintain calcium and phosphate balance.

o Adrenal Glands: Produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which help manage
stress and metabolism.
o Pineal Gland: Regulates sleep-wake cycles by producing melatonin.

o Pancreas: Produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.

o Gonads (Ovaries in females, Testes in males): Produce sex hormones like estrogen,
progesterone, and testosterone.
o Hypothalamus: Links the nervous and endocrine systems; controls the pituitary gland.

2. Hormones
Chemical messengers that travel through the blood to target organs, tissues, or cells. Examples:
o Insulin (regulates blood sugar)

o Thyroxine (controls metabolism)

o Adrenaline (prepares the body for a "fight or flight" response)

3. Target Organs
Hormones act on specific cells or organs that have receptors for them. For example:
o Insulin targets liver, muscle, and fat cells.

o Estrogen targets reproductive organs and bones.


Functions of the Endocrine System
1. Growth and Development
Hormones like growth hormone (from the pituitary) and thyroid hormones regulate physical and
mental growth.
2. Metabolism
Thyroid hormones control how the body uses energy, and insulin helps regulate blood glucose
levels.
3. Reproductive Processes
Sex hormones regulate puberty, fertility, and pregnancy.
4. Stress Response
The adrenal glands release cortisol and adrenaline, helping the body cope with stress.
5. Homeostasis
Maintains stable internal conditions such as blood pressure, temperature, and electrolyte balance.

Disorders of the Endocrine System


1. Diabetes Mellitus
o Caused by insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance.

o Leads to high blood sugar levels.

2. Hyperthyroidism/Hypothyroidism
o Overactive or underactive thyroid affects metabolism.

3. Cushing’s Syndrome
o Excess cortisol production, often caused by adrenal or pituitary tumors.

4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)


o Hormonal imbalance affecting the ovaries.

Interesting Fact:
The endocrine system works closely with the nervous system, and together they form the
neuroendocrine system to maintain body balance and respond to changes in the environment.

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