The body is made up of eleven major systems. These groups are composed of various organs which are responsible for homeostasis. If any of these systems malfunction, other bodily organs are compromised. Therefore, it is vital to maintain balance in the body so the systems can remain fully functional.
One of those major regulatory systems in the body is the Endocrine System. It is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones. Metabolism, sexual function and bodily growth are established through the hormones secreted by the endocrine system.
The endocrine system is made up of different glands which are responsible for the secretion of hormones. These hormones are like chemical messengers which transfer information from a group of cells to another in order to coordinate the functions of various bodily parts.
The major glands of the endocrine system are the following:
o Hypothalamus - a part of the brain which interprets sensory signals like temperature and metabolism. It also signals the body the feeling of satiety. It secretes hormones like somatostatin which signals the pituitary gland to inhibit the release of growth hormones at the right time.
o Pituitary Gland - releases four hormones necessary for normal functioning in the body. It produces growth hormones, luteinizing hormones, adrenocorticotropin hormones, and thyroid-stimulating hormones.
o Reproductive Glands - responsible for the release of sex hormones.
o Adrenal Glands - located on top of the kidneys they are made up of three various parts which regulate balance of salt and water, body metabolism, and sexual function.
o Parathyroid Glands - releases hormones for Calcium balance in the body.
o Pancreas - both an endocrine and exocrine gland. The endocrine role of the pancreas regulates the blood sugar level in the body through insulin and glucagon release.
o Thyroid Gland - produces thyroid hormones which are responsible for normal body metabolism. It plays an important role in the development of the nervous system in children. The gland also maintains normal heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tone, reproductive and digestive functions.
All these parts of the endocrine system play a vital role in humans. The thyroid gland is viewed to be one of the most important parts among the systems because it specifically regulates functions of the body like blood pressure and heart rate. Malfunction in this part of the endocrine system may lead to detrimental effects.