"The endocrine system is a messenger system in an organism comprising feedback loops of hormones that are released by internal glands directly into the circulatory system and that target and regulate distant organs."
Overview of the endocrine system and its relationship with the nervous system. Detailed discussion on different hormones and their corresponding functions in the body.
Hormones: Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that regulate various bodily functions.
Endocrine glands: Intricate glands that primarily make and release hormones into the bloodstream.
Steroid hormones: A class of hormones that are synthesized from cholesterol, such as cortisol and testosterone.
Peptide hormones: Hormones composed of amino acids, such as insulin and growth hormone.
Feedback loops: A critical mechanism within the endocrine system that enables the regulation of hormone production and release.
Hypothalamus: A small but major component of the brain that controls the overall function of the endocrine system.
Pituitary gland: The "master gland" that controls the production and release of various hormones throughout the body.
Thyroid gland: The gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism and growth.
Parathyroid gland: Small glands located near the thyroid gland that secrete hormones important for calcium regulation and bone health.
Adrenal glands: Pair of glands situated on top of the kidneys that produce hormones responsible for regulating stress, blood pressure, and various metabolic processes.
Pancreas: A crucial endocrine gland that secretes hormones, including insulin and glucagon, which regulate glucose levels in the blood.
Gonads: The reproductive glands (ovaries and testes) that produce hormones responsible for sexual development and function.
Hormone action mechanisms: The different ways that hormones interact with their target cells, including the use of receptors and second messenger systems.
Role of the endocrine system in homeostasis: How the endocrine system helps the body maintain a stable internal environment by regulating hormone levels.
Diseases and disorders of the endocrine system: Conditions that commonly affect the endocrine system, such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and Addison's disease.
Pituitary gland: Located at the base of the brain, this gland is responsible for controlling the function of other endocrine glands in the body. It produces hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, and other bodily functions.
Thyroid gland: Located in the neck, this gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
Parathyroid gland: There are four small parathyroid glands located near the thyroid gland. These glands produce hormones that regulate calcium levels in the blood.
Adrenal gland: There are two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that regulate stress response, blood pressure, and other bodily functions.
Pineal gland: Located in the brain, this gland produces the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep and wake cycles.
Pancreas: This gland is located behind the stomach and produces hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.
Ovaries: In females, the ovaries produce hormones that regulate reproductive function.
Testes: In males, the testes produce hormones that regulate reproductive function.
Thymus: Located in the chest, this gland produces hormones that regulate the immune system.
Placenta: In pregnant women, the placenta produces hormones that regulate fetal development.
Adipose tissue: Fat tissue also produces hormones that regulate metabolism and other bodily functions.
"In vertebrates, the hypothalamus is the neural control center for all endocrine systems."
"The major endocrine glands in humans are the thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, pineal, and adrenal glands, and the (male) testes and (female) ovaries."
"The hypothalamus, pancreas, and thymus also function as endocrine glands, among other functions."
"One of the most important functions of the hypothalamus... is to link the endocrine system to the nervous system via the pituitary gland."
"Many other organs that are part of other body systems have secondary endocrine functions, including bone, kidneys, liver, heart, and gonads."
"Hormones can be amino acid complexes, steroids, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, or prostaglandins."
"Endocrine glands have no ducts, are vascular, and commonly have intracellular vacuoles or granules that store their hormones."
"The study of the endocrine system and its disorders is known as endocrinology."
"Glands that signal each other in sequence are often referred to as an axis, such as the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis."
"For example, the kidney secretes the endocrine hormone erythropoietin."
"Contrastingly, exocrine glands, such as salivary glands, sweat glands, and glands within the gastrointestinal tract, tend to be much less vascular and have ducts or a hollow lumen."
"For example, the kidney secretes the endocrine hormone erythropoietin."
"(The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are organs of the neuroendocrine system.)"
"One of the most important functions of the hypothalamus... is to link the endocrine system to the nervous system."
"The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are organs of the neuroendocrine system."
"The endocrine system is a messenger system in an organism comprising feedback loops of hormones."
"Hormones that are released by internal glands directly into the circulatory system."
"The (male) testes and (female) ovaries."
"Paracrine signaling between cells over a relatively short distance."