The Endocrine System

Keywords

Endocrine system, glands, pituitary, thyroid, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, pancreas, liver, adrenal, testes, ovaries.

Introduction

When we grow up, the hormones in our body go rampant. They literally make changes left, right and centre with our body. This can be new hair growth, puberty or any number of other things that can happen. It's all controlled by the endocrine system.

What is the Endocrine System?

In short, it is a series of glands in our body that release the correct hormones at the right time, where they then enter our bloodstream and go to the right place where they are needed.

The endocrine system is purely a chemical reaction, but it still controls our body. This is in contrast to the nervous system, which is an electrical impulse network.

The Glands Involved

There are several components that affect us with hormones. They include:

Let's take a look at each one.

Piuitary Gland

The piuitary gland creates several hormones, usually in response to the body conditions, such as blood water levels. It is deemed as the main and most important gland in the endocrine system.

The pituitary and hypothalamusA part of the mid-brain, and based next to the pituitary gland. work together to keep a balance within the body, and also stimulate other organs or glands to help control the body.

Thyroid Gland

A thyroid gland will secrete the hormone thyroxine. This is to control your metabolismA set of life-sustaining chemical reactions.. There are two types of thyroid disease that people can suffer from:

Hypothyroidism: this is the underactive thyroid. It is where there is a lack of thyroxine being created or secreted. It can be maintained by use of medicinal drugs to allow the creation or secretion of the hormone.

Hyperthyroidism: this is the overactive thyroid. It is where too much is secreted or created. Again, this can be controlled by use of medicinal drugs to help slow the release of the hormone.

Pancreas

The pancreas has many features. It releases insulin and glucagon into the body to help regulate the sugars in your body. It is closely linked to people who have Diabetes. It also houses enzymes to help with digestion of food.

Adrenal Gland

Adrenaline is created by the adrenal glands. So, when we get excited for something, this is what happens. Adrenaline is released from the gland so that we get that heightened sense of thrill. They are located just above the kidneys.

Testes

The testes release testosterone, which helps in production of male features during and post-puberty. It also helps at the foetal stage of pregnancy with the baby to make the male reproductive organs.

Interesting fact: the reason a male's testicles are stored outside the rest of the human body is to preserve the sperm created. They are stored at a temperature at least 2 centigrade less than the body, making it an optimal temperature for the best results while reproducing.

Ovaries

The ovaries create oestrogen and progesterone, which are the two main hormones in the female reproductive system. They help control the female puberty, and various other moments such as pre-menopause and menopause.