Endocrine System
An overview of the nervous and endocrine systems, their functions and how together they regulate homeostasis
The endocrine system is the internal system of the body that deals with chemical communication by means of hormones, the ductless glands that secrete the hormones, and those target cells that respond to hormones. The endocrine system functions in maintaining the basic functions of the body ranging from metabolism to growth. The endocrine system functions in long term behavior and works in conjunction with the nervous system in regulating internal functions and maintaining homeostasis.
Hormones are the chemical messengers released by specialized endocrine cells or specialized nerve cells called neurosecretory cells. Hormones are released by the endocrine system glands into the body’s fluids, most often into the blood and transported throughout the body. Hormones are specified by their different chemical structures which can be classified into four categories.
* Amines: are small molecules originating from amino acids. * Prostaglandins: are cyclic unsaturated hydroxy fatty acids synthesized in membranes from 20 carbon fatty acid chains. * Steroid hormones: are cyclic hydrocarbon derivatives synthesized in all instances from the precursor steroid cholesterol. * Peptide and Protein hormones: are the largest and most complex hormone.
Hormones drive the endocrine system and without them the body could not function. Hormones are the communicators of the endocrine system and are responsible for maintaining and controlling cellular activity.
Hormones regulate bodily functions and are specific in what responses they elicit. As hormones are released into the bloodstream they can only initiate responses in target cells, which are specifically equipped to respond. Each hormone due to its chemical structure is recognized by those target cells with receptors compatible with their structure. Once a hormone is released, the first step is the
The endocrine system is the internal system of the body that deals with chemical communication by means of hormones, the ductless glands that secrete the hormones, and those target cells that respond to hormones. The endocrine system functions in maintaining the basic functions of the body ranging from metabolism to growth. The endocrine system functions in long term behavior and works in conjunction with the nervous system in regulating internal functions and maintaining homeostasis.
Hormones are the chemical messengers released by specialized endocrine cells or specialized nerve cells called neurosecretory cells. Hormones are released by the endocrine system glands into the body’s fluids, most often into the blood and transported throughout the body. Hormones are specified by their different chemical structures which can be classified into four categories.
* Amines: are small molecules originating from amino acids. * Prostaglandins: are cyclic unsaturated hydroxy fatty acids synthesized in membranes from 20 carbon fatty acid chains. * Steroid hormones: are cyclic hydrocarbon derivatives synthesized in all instances from the precursor steroid cholesterol. * Peptide and Protein hormones: are the largest and most complex hormone.
Hormones drive the endocrine system and without them the body could not function. Hormones are the communicators of the endocrine system and are responsible for maintaining and controlling cellular activity.
Hormones regulate bodily functions and are specific in what responses they elicit. As hormones are released into the bloodstream they can only initiate responses in target cells, which are specifically equipped to respond. Each hormone due to its chemical structure is recognized by those target cells with receptors compatible with their structure. Once a hormone is released, the first step is the
Bibliography: Alrefai, Hisham, Hisham Allababidi, Shiri Levy, and Joseph Levy. "The Endocrine System in Diabetics." Endocrine 18.2 (2002): 105-120. Harrison, Tinsley Randolph. Harrison 's principles of internal medicine. 16. ed. New York, NY [u.a.: McGraw-Hill, Medical Pub. Division, 2005. Kandel, Eric R., James H. Schwartz, and Thomas M. Jessell. Principles of neural science. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, Health Professions Division, 2000. Marieb, Elaine Nicpon, and Katja Hoehn. Anatomy & physiology. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Benjamin Cummings, 2011. Verdú, Enrique, Dolores Ceballos, Jorge J. Vilches, and Xavier Navarro. "Influence Of Aging On Peripheral Nerve Function And Regeneration." Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System 5.4 (2000): 191-208.