Library · Anatomy
Endocrine system
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The endocrine system includes glands that make hormones, the body's chemical signals. Picture separate offices using the same delivery network: the bloodstream. The pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and gonads are among those offices.
A hormone travels widely, but it acts only on cells with the right receptor, much like a key fitting a particular lock. Through these targeted messages, separate organs coordinate metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
In brief
The endocrine system is the group of glands and cells that produce hormones, chemical messengers released directly into the bloodstream. It includes the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands, as well as hormone-producing parts of the pancreas and gonads.
Blood carries each hormone throughout the body, but only cells with the matching receptor respond. This allows separate organs to coordinate metabolism, growth, and reproduction without requiring a continuous anatomical connection among all the glands.
Sources (2)
- National Center for Biotechnology InformationGlands and Hormones
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of MedicineEndocrine glands
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated