By: Winsome O’Sullivan

What is the Human Endocrine system?

The human endocrine system is a biological network of complex organisms
that is made up of glands that produce and secretes hormones. Hormones
that are the body’s chemical messenger that carry information and
instructions, from one set of cells to another. These hormones are responsible
for regulating metabolism, growth and development, tissue and sexucal
function, reproduction, sleep, mood and among other things in the body.
Essentially, these chemical substances synchronize, in order to fulfil their
purpose and task for the efficient functioning of the human body.

The main components that make up the endocrine system are hypothalamus,
pituitary, pineal body, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pancreas glands,
ovaries and testes.
Main Components of Endocrine System
What is the Hypothalamus Gland?
Located near the pituitary gland, lies the hypothalamus.
Though the hypothalamus is a small region of the brain, it’s
primary function is to release hormones, control appetite,
manage sexual behaviors, maintain circadian rhythms and
regulate one's body temperature and emotional response.
Within the hypothalamus there are three main region that contains different nuclei. Those
regions are the supraoptic, tuberal and mammillary. The supraoptic is within the anterior
area (front). Which produce hormones that response to physically and emotional stress,
function of the heart, muscles, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive hormones, emotions,
vasopressin, and somatostatin.
The tuberal region located in the middle, controls appetite along with releasing the growth
hormone.
While mammillary region located in the posterior (rear) of the hypothalamus, entire
purpose is to help regulate the human body temperature by causing shivers and blocking
sweat production.
What is the Pituitary Gland?
It’s the size of a pea and is attached to the
hypothalamus. The pituitary gland is considered the
master gland of the body. Due to its ability to control
numerous hormone glands like the thyroid, adrenals,
ovaries and testicles in the anterior part of the gland.
Meanwhile the posterior pituitary stores and secretes
hormones made in the hypothalamus.
The anterior pituitary gland produce and release hormones in the bloodstream to
control blood pressure, energy management, growth, metabolism and functions of
the sex organ.
While the posterior pituitary stimulates uterine contraction in pregnancy,
childbirth, and breastfeeding development. Also controlling blood fluid and
mineral levels that affect the water retention in the kidneys.
What is the Pineal Gland?

Shaped like a pinecone and about the size of

a pea, the pineal gland is also known as the
“third eye”. Produce melatonin, a circadian
rhythm that helps regulate the reproductive
hormones. Rather yet, the melatonin help
understand the body’s biological time and
daily rhythms like a sleeping pattern.
 What is Thyroid Gland ?
Shaped like a butterfly located below the adam's
apple is the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is
responsible for regulating the heart and digestive
function, metabolic rate, muscle control, bone
maintenance, brain development and mood.
Using the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis feedback loop the thyroid
hormones is controlled by the release of hormones that is in the
hypothalamus part of the brain which is the stimulating hormones that are
produced from the pituitary gland.
What is the Parathyroid Gland?
Four tiny gland located behind the thyroid
gland reside the parathyroid. The size of a rice
grain, the parathyroid main function is to
maintain a balance of calcium in the
bloodstream and tissue.
The parathyroid releases its hormones which then raises the blood
calcium level by breaking down the bones to release calcium.
Increasing the kidney’s ability to hold onto the calcium that would be
lost in urination and increasing the body's ability to absorb calcium
from food.
What is the Pancreas Gland ?
Located in the upper left abdomen, the
pancreas main focus is to convert food into
energy. In order to convert food, the pancreas
uses the exocrine and endocrine function to
help the body fuel the body’s cells.
The exocrine function of the pancreas produce just the right amount of
chemicals rather yet bile to help the body digest fat, carbohydrates, and
protein. While the endocrine component release important hormones in
the bloodstream to lower and raise blood sugar levels. An appropriate
blood sugar level is vital in the function of organ such as the brain,
liver and kidney.
What is the Adrenal Glands?
Located at the top of each kidney, are the two small
triangular shaped adrenal glands. These glands produce
hormones that regulate the immune system, blood
pressure,metabolism and the response to stress. The
hormones even control the sleep and wake cycle and also
releases hormones in crucial times to give the body boost
of energy in order to handle emergency situation.
Ovaries in the Endocrine System
Two main hormones of the female reproductive system
is estrogen and progesterone. Ovaries have the features
of being an endocrine gland because of the two vital
hormones the ovaries secrete for a normal reproductive
development and fertility.
The releasing of estrogen by the ovaries construct the female's monthly menstrual
cycle and reproductive system along with the growth and development of breasts,
pubic and armpit hair. Estrogen essentially produce a stable environment for
fertilization, implantation and nutrition for an early embryo. High level of
estrogen alert the pituitary gland to release hormones that causes uterine
contractions that loosens the pelvic ligament for labor.
While the progesterone hormone function to prevent uterine contractions that can
disturb a growing embryo by causing the uterine lining to be thicken by a
temporary gland called the corpus luteum.
Testes in the Endocrine System
Known as the gonads the testes is the main factor of the
male endocrine gland because of the testosterone
hormone that is being produced/ release. The hormone
that is necessary for physical development of a boy to a
man. As an adult testosterone maintain muscle strength,
libido, sperm production, growth of adam’s apple,
height, lowering of voice and bone density. These
hormones are crucial in the male development of
physical characteristics.
Summary
The endocrine system is a biological network of glands that produce and secretes
hormones. Hormones are chemicals that carry information to different parts of the
body; specific hormones influence certain organs or parts of the body. This system
especially when in cooperation is vital and of great importance for maintaining
homeostasis in the human body and the survival of the organism. Homeostasis is
the meticulous control of bodily processes to maintain a stable internal
environment that allows us to function adequately. Each gland of the endocrine
system, produces and releases hormones that enter via the blood stream and
travels to specific target organs to stimulate desired action . It is crucial, and very
important for the endocrine system to function properly in order to live a full life.
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