"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."
Understanding the endocrine system, its role in regulating bodily functions through hormones and its relationship to other systems.
Introduction to Endocrinology: This topic provides a basic overview of the endocrine system, including its structure and function.
Hormones: This topic covers the various types of hormones, including their chemical structures, synthesis, and secretion.
Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland: This topic covers the role of these two structures in the regulation of body functions, including the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
Thyroid Gland: This topic covers the structure and function of the thyroid gland, as well as the hormones it produces and their effects on the body.
Parathyroid Glands: This topic covers the structure and function of the parathyroid glands, as well as the hormone they produce and its role in the regulation of calcium levels.
Adrenal Glands: This topic covers the structure and function of the adrenal glands, as well as the hormones they produce and their effects on the body.
Pancreas: This topic covers the structure and function of the pancreas, as well as the hormones it produces and their role in regulation of blood sugar levels.
Reproductive Endocrinology: This topic covers the hormones involved in reproduction, including their synthesis, secretion, and effects on the body.
Endocrine Disorders: This topic covers the various disorders that can affect the endocrine system, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Endocrine Testing: This topic covers the various tests used to diagnose endocrine disorders, including blood tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic procedures.
Endocrine Pharmacology: This topic covers the pharmacology of drugs used to treat endocrine disorders, including their mechanism of action, side effects, and indications.
Neuroendocrinology: This topic covers the interaction between the nervous and endocrine systems, including the role of neurotransmitters in hormone release and the effects of hormones on the nervous system.
Environmental Endocrinology: This topic covers the effects of environmental factors, such as toxins and pollutants, on endocrine function and health.
Developmental Endocrinology: This topic covers the role of hormones in embryonic and fetal development, as well as the effects of hormone imbalances on development.
Endocrine Health and Wellness: This topic covers lifestyle factors that impact endocrine function, including diet, exercise, and stress management.
Pituitary Gland: Located at the base of the brain, the pituitary gland is known as the "master gland," as it controls the function of many other glands in the body. It produces hormones that regulate growth, development, and metabolism, as well as reproductive hormones.
Thyroid Gland: Located in the neck, the thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism and energy levels in the body.
Parathyroid Glands: Four small glands located near the thyroid gland, produce hormones that regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
Adrenal Glands: Two glands located on top of each kidney, the adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate stress response, blood pressure, and salt balance.
Pancreas: Located behind the stomach, the pancreas produces hormones that regulate blood sugar levels, such as insulin and glucagon.
Testes and Ovaries: The reproductive glands in men and women, respectively, produce hormones that regulate sexual development and function.
Pineal Gland: The gland located in the brain, produces a hormone called melatonin that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
Thymus Gland: Located behind the breastbone, the thymus gland produces hormones that regulate the immune system.
"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."