Introduction to the Human Endocrine System
Knowledge of the Endocrine System is an essential part of training
in many
therapies
- such as Massage, Aromatherapy, Accupuncture, Shiatsu, and others.
This page is a basic introduction to the Human Endocrine System.
General Introductory Notes: |
Basic summary notes about the endocrine
system include:
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Hormones are 'chemical messengers'.
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Hormones have 'target organs'.
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Endocrine glands are ductless glands that secret
hormones directly into the blood. |
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Functions of Hormones: |
1.
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Hormones help to regulate:
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Volume and Chemical Composition
of Extra-Cellular Fluid. |
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Metabolism |
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Biological Clock (Circadian Rhythms) |
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Glandular Secretions |
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Contraction of smooth and cardiac muscle fibres |
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Some immune system activities. |
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2.
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Hormones control growth and development.
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3.
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Hormones govern the opertation of reproductive
systems.
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Comparison between the Endocrine System and the Nervous
System: |
1. |
Hormones are transported around (to
their target organs) the body by the blood.
Therefore hormonal responses are relatively slow
compared with nervous responses. |
2. |
Many hormonal responses (e.g. growth) occur over
relatively long periods of time. |
3. |
The main purpose of the Endocrine System is to
maintain Homeostasis within the body (that is, to
keep the internal environment constant/within balance),
whereas
the key function of the Nervous System is to receive
and respond to stimuli.
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4. |
Generally, the endocrine system is controlled
by the Nervous System (through the Hypothalamus,
mediated by the Pituitary Gland). |
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This is the end of this page but information about the Locations
of and Hormones secreted
by the main Endocrine
Glands and other
aspects of the Endocrine System,
such as Diabetes and other Conditions
that Affect the Endocrine
System are
included
on
other
pages
of
this
website.
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