Things we need to know about the endocrine system.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM – A must read! Here are the important things and details that we must be aware of the human endocrine system.
The endocrine system is the organ system made up of glands which produce hormones to regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood, among other things. This is made up of pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries (in females), and testicles (in males)
Here are the parts of this organ system and their respective importance:
- Hypothalamus – It connects the endocrine to the nervous system and also signals the pituitary gland whether to start or stop making hormones.
- Pituitary gland – This is the master gland. The signals it get from the brain tells what other glands has to do in the body. It also makes makes growth hormones, prolactin for breastfeeding, and luteinizing hormone that manages estrogen in women and testosterone in men.
- Pineal gland – This produces melatonin, a chemical that tells your body to go to sleep.
- Thyroid gland – It produces thyroid hormones that control metabolism.
- Parathyroid – This is a set of small glands behind the thyroid that control calcium and phosphorus level in bone health.
- Thymus – This releases white blood cells called T-lymphocytes that helps fight infection.
- Adrenals – It affects metabolism, sexual function, and among other things.
- Pancreas – This is a part of both digestive and endocrine as it respectively produces enzymes that break down food and insulin and glucagon to regulate sugar amount in bloodstream and cells.
- Ovaries – In women only, ovaries make estrogen and progesterone and these also help develop breasts, regulate the menstrual cycle, and support a pregnancy.
- Testes – As per WebMD, in men, testes make testosterone for their facial and body hair growth during puberty, their private organ to be larger, and in making sperm.
READ ALSO:
- CIRCULATORY SYSTEM – Interesting Facts, Components, Function
- DIGESTIVE SYSTEM – Here’s How To Improve Your Digestive System
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