Endocrine System: Review

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Endocrine System: Coordination Review

The endocrine system, along with the nervous system, functions in the regulation of body activities. This system controls growth, development, reproduction, and metabolism.

The endocrine system includes the pineal gland, the thalamus, the pituitary gland, the thymus, the thyroid (including the thyroid cartilage of the larynx, the thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands on the posterior side of the thyroid, and the trachea), the adrenal glands, the pancreas, the uterus and ovaries in female, and the testes in males.

  • The endocrine system maintains homeostasis by releasing chemicals called hormones. Hormones are essential to maintaining homeostasis, controlling actions such as metabolism, sleep, growth and development, reproduction, and many other functions. Hormones are transferred through the bloodstream, but only affect cells with special receptors called target cells.  There are two major groups of hormones: amino acid-based hormones and lipid-based hormones.
  • A gland is an organ consisting of cells that secrete materials into other regions of the body. The body contains two types of glands: endocrine and exocrine. Be sure to go back and review the structure and functions of the major glands of the body.

 

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