The endocrine system refers to a messenger system containing feedback loops of the hormones that are released via the internal glands of an organism directly into the circulatory system, and also regulating distant target organs. In vertebrates, the hypothalamus represents the neural control centre for all of the endocrine systems. In humans, the majority of endocrine glands are those of the thyroid glands and the adrenal glands. The study of the endocrine system and disorders related to it is called endocrinology. Glands that represent each other in a sequence are most often referred to as an axis, like those of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. With respect to the specialized endocrine organs that are mentioned above, various different organs that are part of other body systems possess secondary endocrine functions, comprising bone, kidneys, liver, heart and gonads. For example the kidney releases the endocrine hormone erythropoietin. Hormones may be amino acid complexes, steroids, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, or prostaglandins.
Different types of Endocrine Glands
Hypothalamus – The hypothalamus helps in linking our endocrine and nervous systems together. The hypothalamus main function is to drive the endocrine system.
Pituitary gland – The pituitary glands receive signals from the hypothalamus. This gland possesses two lobes, the posterior and anterior lobes. The posterior lobe releases hormones that are made in the hypothalamus. The anterior lobe produces its own hormones, many of which act on other endocrine glands.
Thyroid gland – The thyroid gland is crucial to the healthy development and maturation of vertebrates and it helps in maintaining the metabolism.
Adrenal glands – The adrenal glands are composed of two types of glands: the cortex and medulla. These glands release hormones in response to stress and also help to regulate blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and the body’s salt and water balance.
Pancreas – The pancreas is meant for producing both glucagon and insulin. Both these hormones help to regulate the concentration of glucose (i.e. sugar) in the blood.
Gonads – The male reproductive gonads, or testes, and female reproductive gonads, or ovaries, releases steroids that generally affect the growth and development and also functions to regulate the reproductive cycles and behaviours. The main types of gonadal steroids are androgens, oestrogens, and progestin, all of which are present in both males and females but at varying levels.
How chemicals affect Endocrine System
Scientific studies on human epidemiology, laboratory animals, fish and wildlife suggests that environmental contaminants are able to disrupt the endocrine system resulting in an adverse-health consequence. It is crucial to gain a better understanding of what concentrations of chemicals can be found in the environment that may lead to an adverse effect. Different scientific studies (like those of epidemiology, mammalian toxicology, and ecological toxicology) are essential to resolve many of the scientific questions and uncertainty surrounding the endocrine disruptor issue. Many such studies are currently undertaken by government agencies and industry.
Endocrine System Functions
The endocrine system functions are discussed below:
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They help in making hormones that function to control the moods of a person, growth and development, metabolism, organs, and reproduction.
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Control the hormones are released.
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The endocrine system helps in transporting hormones into the bloodstream so that they can travel to other body parts.
Disorders of Endocrine System
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Acromegaly: the pituitary glands sometimes produce too much growth hormone that makes the bones get bigger. It generally affects a person’s hands, feet, and face. It mainly starts from middle age.
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Adrenal insufficiency: When a person suffers from adrenal insufficiency, then their adrenal glands do not produce enough of certain hormones, such as cortisol, that controls stress.
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Cushing’s disease: In this type of condition, body produces too much cortisol. Person gains weight, have stretch marks, bruise easily at first, then have weakened muscles and bones and generally develops a hump on the person upper back.
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Hyperthyroidism: This is the condition in which the thyroid gland makes more hormones than the requirement of the body. It may also be known as overactive thyroid. It helps in making our system run faster and the person may feel nervous, lose weight, and suffers from a rapid heartbeat or trouble sleeping.
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Hypothyroidism: When our body does not make enough thyroid hormone, then our system begins to slow down. The person begins to feel tired, gains weight, have a slow heartbeat, and get joint and muscle pains.
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Hypopituitarism: Sometimes the pituitary gland is unable to make enough of certain specific hormones and both the adrenal and thyroid glands do not work in a proper manner.
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Multiple endocrine neoplasia: This a group of disorders that majorly affects the endocrine system. It results in the formation of tumors on at least two endocrine glands or in other organs and tissues.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome. An imbalance in reproductive hormones causes the ovaries to either not make an egg or not release it during ovulation. This results in skipping off ones periods, cause acne, and allows hair growth on face or chin.
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Precocious puberty. When glands that help in controlling reproduction don’t work properly, then this results in the beginning of puberty in kids at around 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys.
Conclusion
The endocrine system represents a complex collection of glands and organs that helps regulate various body functions. This is accomplished via the release of hormones, or chemical messengers, produced by the endocrine system. Here, we come to an end of this topic. We hope you were able to get a clear concept of the endocrine system, its function and different types of endocrine glands.