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    UNIT 6. The Endocrine System

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    Bora Osmani
    A medical document that contains info about the endocrine system.

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    UNIT 6. The Endocrine System

    Uploaded by

    Bora Osmani
    4 views3 pages
    A medical document that contains info about the endocrine system.

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    UNIT 6. The endocrine system

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    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

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    A medical document that contains info about the endocrine system.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    4 views3 pages

    UNIT 6. The Endocrine System

    Uploaded by

    Bora Osmani
    A medical document that contains info about the endocrine system.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 3

    UNIT # 6: The Endocrine System

    The Endocrine System consists of unique organs and body tissues which
    secrete and store hormones that are special chemical materials needed for
    different body functions. These hormones are responsible for transferring a
    great deal of information from one body part to another. These endocrine
    organs play an important role in human body because they secrete several
    hormones that regulate the growth of the body, control the functions of
    different tissues, assist pregnancy, regulate the process of metabolism and
    support the reproductive system as a whole. The endocrine glands are also
    described as ductless glands because they are not directly connected to any
    specific organ of the body through some ducts. They produce hormones that
    are released directly into the blood to be carried to different body parts.

    The Endocrine System in humans is comprised of the hypothalamus, pituitary,


    thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and pineal body. The ovary and testis are other
    important glands that are specialized for regulating human reproductive
    system. The pancreas is also known to play an important role in human
    Endocrine System. Even some organs that are not directly related to
    this system, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, liver, thymus, skin and
    placenta, also secrete certain hormones. Almost all human cells take part
    in this extremely important system by secreting or converting certain
    hormones. Increased energy needs of the human body are satisfied by a
    hormone called glucagon that increases blood sugar levels. This is
    basically produced by the pancreas but gastrointestinal tract walls also
    secrete this hormone to meet the excessive energy needs. There is no
    denying of the fact that among all the body parts, the endocrine glands are
    the major hormone-producing organs.

    The pituitary gland is controlled by the hypothalamus, also known as the


    coordinator of this system, which is located in the brain and acts as a liaison
    between the pituitary gland and the brain. The nerve cells present in this
    gland produce certain chemicals that increase or suppress the production
    of pituitary gland hormones according to the body needs.

    The pituitary gland is the most important organ of the Endocrine System
    and it is situated in a protective bony cavity beneath the brain. It produces
    certain hormones that help regulate other glands of this system. Both lobes,
    the
    posterior and anterior, of the pituitary gland serve specific functions. The
    regulation of the thyroid and adrenal glands’ activities as well as the body’s
    growth is done by the anterior lobe. It also stimulates the reproductive
    glands and milk producing glands in breast-feeding women. The posterior
    lobe controls the body’s water balance and the uterus’ muscle
    contractions.

    The adrenal glands are situated above the kidneys and are divided into two
    parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. Catecholamine is
    secreted by the adrenal medulla, the inner part, which satisfies body’s
    needs by
    increasing the heart rate and blood pressure during exercise or stress.
    Whereas the outer part of the adrenal glands, the adrenal cortex, secretes
    corticosteroids to maintain the balance of salt and water and regulates
    metabolism in human body. There are certain other important functions
    done by corticosteroids such as preparing the body to manage stress and
    influencing sexual activities.

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