Endocrine System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Endocrine System - Essay Example The control and coordination of all bodily processes is done by the nervous system in tandem with the endocrine system. The two systems are so closely associated that they are collectively called the neuroendocrine system. Neural control centers in the hypothalamus of the brain control the endocrine system. The nervous system uses electrical impulses to exercise control over the body, while the endocrine system uses chemical messengers called hormones to communicate and link between the nervous system and bodily functions. The major functions of the endocrine system are response to stress and injury, energy metabolism, water and electrolyte balance, reproduction, birth and lactation. The endocrine system is concerned with continuous, long-term effects, which are slow and widespread. The three major components of the endocrine system are the endocrine glands, the hormones and the receptors in the target cells. (Adam 2001). Glands are aggregations of epithelial cells embedded within connective tissue and surrounded by rich vascular networks. The two major categories of glands are exocrine and endocrine. Those glands which excrete substances for elimination are called exocrine glands (derived from the Greek ‘exo’ for outside and ‘krine’ for secrete). These glands have ducts or tubes which carry their secretions to the surface of the skin or into body cavities. Other glands which secrete substances for further use by the body are called endocrine glands (‘endo’ for inside). Endocrine glands are ductless glands which release their secretions directly into the surrounding tissue and blood. The endocrine glands are not physically connected but are distributed throughout the body. Some of them also have non-endocrine functions (Eg. The pancreas also secrete digestive enzymes) and are called mixed glands. The main endocrine glands are the pituitary, the pineal, the thyro id, the parathyroid, the adrenal, the