Endocrine system
Definition
noun
The bodily system consists of the endocrine glands, and is responsible for the production and secretion of hormones that aid in controlling the bodily metabolic activity, as well as serve as chemical messengers that allow cells to communicate with one another
Supplement
A biological or a bodily system is a group of entities that work together to carry out a particular task. In higher forms of organisms such as humans, the biological systems include integumentary system, lymphatic system, muscular system, nervous system, reproductive system , respiratory system, skeletal system, endocrine system, urinary system, and immune system.
The endocrine system is a biological system comprised of the endocrine glands. The endocrine glands may be contrasted to the exocrine glands (e.g. salivary glands and sweat glands), which also secrete hormones to the outside of the body. However, the exocrine glands make use of ducts. The endocrine glands are ductless glands and therefore do not require ducts to reach and affect target cells. The endocrine glands release their secretions (hormones) into the bloodstream to reach and act on specific cells of organs. These hormones aid in controlling the bodily metabolic activity, as well as serve as chemical messengers that allow cells to communicate with one another.
The major human endocrine glands include:
- hypothalamus
- pituitary gland
- thyroid gland
- pancreas
- adrenal glands
- pineal gland
- gonads
- ovaries
- testes
- parathyroid gland
Hormone Production
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by specialized glands and they were produced by switching on the genes designed to produce them. This tutorial looks at how genes control the production of hormones within the endocrine system of animals.
Principles of Hormonal Control Systems
Hormones are essential in the regulation of the activity of the various biological systems of the human body. The inefficiency of any of these hormonal control systems may lead to the improper functioning of the body. In this tutorial, get to know the different classes of hormones, metabolism, mechanism, and control of hormone secretions. ..
Movement of Molecules Across Cell Membranes
Molecules move within the cell or from one cell to another through different strategies. Transport may be in the form of simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, active transport, osmosis, endocytosis, exocytosis, epithelial transport, or glandular secretion. This tutorial provides elaborate details on each of these mechanisms. Find out how. ..
Digestion and Absorption of Food
The gastrointestinal system breaks down particles of ingested food into molecular forms by enzymes through digestion and then transferred to the internal environment by absorption. Find out more about these processes carried out by the gastrointestinal system through this tutorial.
Physical Development in Humans
This tutorial elaborates on the physical development of humans, particularly from puberty to adulthood. Read this tutorial to know the specific physical changes that female and male bodies undergo as they turn into adults.
Control of Growth & Development
Control of Growth & Development tutorials look at how the genetic makeup determines the biological processes on a day to day basis. Various hormones are also described. Animals and plants produce hormones to incite and regulate their growth. However, growth is not only genetic and hormonal in nature. It may also depend on external factors.