The Endocrine Sysytem

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Introduction
The endocrine system is a collaboration of all the glands in the human body and all the hormones produced by those glands1. The glands are controlled by the stimulation of the human nervous system including the chemical receptors in the blood and the hormones produced by other glands. By regulating and controlling the hormone levels in the body the endocrine system controls homeostasis in the body1. The gland system can be divided into two types. Exocrine glands release secretions outside of the bloodstream, mainly to the skin and the mouth. Meanwhile, endocrine glands release secretions into the bloodstream where they are transported elsewhere2.

Homeostasis
Homeostasis is a very important part in the survival of the human being. Homeostasis is responsible for the balance of the internal systems. It helps regulate body temperature and maintains equilibrium between alkaline and acidity4. Hormones released by glands in the body, signal other glands to perform tasks in order to maintain homeostasis. Glands like the pancreas release hormones like insulin and glucagon into the body to signal the body to start storing or releasing sugars. If the pancreas were to fail the body would not be able to recognize when it needs to store or release sugars. This failure to function destabilizes homeostasis in the body3-4. The loss of the pancreas function is lethal and is unrecoverable. As seen in figure 1 the endocrine system is a collection of glands each designed for a specific function. In order to maintain equilibrium in the body all the glands must work together.

Hormones
Hormones are very important to the body; they serve as a communication device between glands, tissues and organs3. Hormones regulate a variety of physiolog...

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...he production of estrogen and regulate hormones for reproduction. The pancreas is responsible for the regulation of sugar levels in the body. It releases insulin and glucagon each specialized in telling the body to store or use sugars. The suprarenal and adrenal glands are responsible for how energy is stored and how it’s used. The testes are responsible for the creation of sperm and the testosterone. Testosterone is the male sex hormone that promotes puberty and furthers growth3.

Sources:

1). Taylor, Tim. "Endocrine System." InnerBody. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May 2014.

2). "Endocrine System." KidsHealth. Ed. Steven Dowshen. The Nemours Foundation, 01 Mar. 2012. Web. 23 May 2014.

3). Campbell, Neil A., and Jane B. Reece. Biology. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings, 2002. Print.

4). Moody, Jean. "Homeostasis." TheFreeDictionary.com. N.p., 2009. Web. 24 May 2014.

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