ENDOCRINOLOGY > the science of the endocrine, or ductless glands and their function

HORMONE > a substance originated in an organ, gland, or body part that is conveyed thru the blood to another body part, chemically stimulating that part to increase or decrease activity;
Secretion of a ductless gland

EXOCRINE GLAND > a gland with ducts

ENDOCRINE GLAND > a ductless gland that produces an internal secretion discharged into the blood or lymph and circulated to all parts of the body

HOMEOSTATSIS > equalibrium within the body

METABOLISM > all energy and material transformations that occur within living cells

PITUITARY GLAND > aids in growth, reproduction, and various metabolic activities

THYROID GLAND > endocrine gland located at the base of the neck

PARATHYROID GLAND > several small endocrine glands located on the lower edge of the thyroid; secretes hormone to regulate calcium & phosphorus metabolism

THYMUS > located above the heart composed of two fused lobes;
Grows till puberty, then atrophy's away

ADRENAL GLAND > triangular gland located above the surface of each kidney

PANCREAS > located behind the stomache;
Produces insulin

***HOMEOSTASIS***

Depends on regulation of organs and organ systems

Two systems responsible for homeostasis........

  1. Nervous System
  2. Endocrine System

They help to regulate & coordnate other organs
They do this in different ways
Nervous system ---> regulates and controls by sending messages to the nerve cells which stimulate action
Endocrine System ---> Acts by sending hormones/chemicals thru the blood
Nervous system acts quickly and has short term effects
Endocrine system responds slower and has a longer lasting effect

***Functions Of The Endocrine System***

Regulates metabolism and growth
Regulates body's response to stress
Regulates sexual characteristics and reproduction
- endocrine glands secrete products into ducts that exit the glands and carry the secretion to another surface such as the skin or digestive system
- Exocrine glands secrete products into ducts that exit the glands & carry the secretion to another surface such as the skin or digestive system

***Facts***

- located in widely seperated parts of the body
- related to the Nervous System
- Well supplied with blood , very vascular
Inter-related actions
Made of connective and epithelial tissue
All secrete hormones

***HORMONES***

Hormone --> a a chemical made by the body
Concentration of one hormone

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