Human endocrine system - Functions & Overview
The endocrine system releases several hormones and controls many functions of the body, such as metabolism, growth, and mood. This is an important topic in Class 12 Biology of the chapter on Chemical Coordination and Integration. This major topic in Biology is also essential for students who are preparing for exams like NEET, AIIMS, nursing and paramedical courses. The endocrine system is critical to how the body operates in terms of maintaining homeostasis and responding to internal and external changes. This article examines the anatomy and functions of the endocrine system, concentrating on its glands and the hormones they secrete as well as their functions in maintaining health.
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Also Read:
- MCQ Practice on Endocrine System
- Endocrine Glands and Hormones
- List of Endocrine Glands
- Neural Control and Coordination
Definition Of Endocrine System
The endocrine system is defined as the system of glands that secrete their secretion directly into the bloodstream and not through a duct. These endocrine glands control the body system and produce hormones that help regulate all the body functions of our cells and tissues.
Hormones are defined as the chemical that affects the body's functions, which range from hunger to reproduction to even the growth of the body. The hormones also control the emotions and behaviour of a human being. When we talk about exocrine glands in our body, they secrete their secretion in the ducts. These usually contain earwax and sebaceous glands that usually secrete oil, and sweat glands that usually secrete sweat.
Endocrine glands are a group of ductless glands that control the body. They usually act on the body by secreting some of the chemical substances that are termed "hormones." Hormones usually act on all the nearby tissues of the body from where they are secreted, and they are transported through the bloodstream to act on the specific target organs. Human endocrine systems use hormones to keep track of all the coordinated systems in the body. These glands are located in the human system and in many different locations. Endocrine glands usually coordinate with the neural system of the human body and help with control and coordination activities.
Major Endocrine Glands
There are several diverse glands in the endocrine system, each having specific kinds of hormones secreted.
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland is also known as the master gland since it controls the other endocrine glands.
Anterior Pituitary
It secretes many hormones like growth hormone and prolactin.
Posterior Pituitary
Secretes hormones like antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin.
Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland controls the metabolic process with the help of thyroid hormones.
Adrenal Glands
Adrenal glands produce hormones related to the response to stress and metabolism
It secretes corticosteroid and androgens
It secretions adrenaline and noradrenaline
Pancreas
The pancreas regulates blood sugar levels through insulin and glucagon
Gonads
The gonads produce sex hormones; in males, it is testosterone while in females it is oestrogen and progesterone
Hormonal Regulation
Hormones regulate various physiological activities.
Metabolism
Thyroid hormones control the rate of metabolism
Growth And Development
Growth and development is controlled through the growth hormone
Stress Response
The reaction of the body to stress is controlled by the adrenal hormones
Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Exam Preparation on the Endocrine System
Here are some tips and tricks to prepare for the endocrine system for various exams:
Diagrams and Tables
Learn diagrams of major endocrine glands and major hormones, paying attention to hormone secretion sites and target organs. Develop tables that compare different hormones and their sources, target organs, and primary functions.
Mnemonics
Use the mnemonic "FLAGTOP" to recall the hormones of the anterior pituitary, FSH, LH, ACTH, GH, TSH, MSH, and PRL.
Flashcards
Develop flash cards for the following terms "Hormone," "Endocrine Gland," and "Feedback Mechanism" to help with remembering the functions of glands and the actions of hormones.
Visualization Tools
View animations of the path that hormones take through the bloodstream and how they might act upon target organs, helping to clarify your understanding of hormone regulation and feedback mechanisms.
Real-Life Applications
Connect concepts to everyday applications, like how insulin functions to modulate blood sugar or how stress might influence levels of cortisol, in your ability to better understand the roles that the endocrine system plays in your daily health and disease management.
Types of Questions and Weightage of Endocrine System in Various Exams
The table below indicates the weightage and types of questions asked in exams on the endocrine system:
| Exam Type | Types of Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| CBSE Board Exams | Short answers on gland functions, hormone roles, and diagrams of endocrine glands | 4-6% |
| NEET | MCQs on hormone types, endocrine glands, and hormone action mechanisms | 2-3% |
| AIIMS | Assertion and reason questions on hormonal regulation and feedback mechanisms | 2-3% |
| Nursing Entrance Exams | Scenario-based questions on hormonal imbalances, diseases, and treatments | 1-3% |
| Paramedical Exams | True/False questions on endocrine gland functions and associated hormones | 1-3% |
Also Read:
| ADH Hormone | Difference between Endocrine and Exocrine gland |
| Hypothalamus | Pineal Gland |
| Thymus Gland | Mechanism of Hormone Action |
Recommended video on Endocrine System
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The two main hormones that are secreted by the posterior pituitary are:Vasopressin is also known as an antidiuretic hormone Oxytocin.
The primary function of oxytocin is to act on the uterine muscles and initiate muscle contraction during pregnancy. So it serves as a hormone used during the foetal ejection complex.
It is a tiny gland that is located in the midbrain. Its function is not clearly known but it is seen to regulate The Mating behaviours and also the day night Rhythm cycle of a human.
Prostaglandins are defined as a hormone that is usually synthesised by various tissues in the cells. These hormones are known to produce their effect on smooth muscle and on many various glands. Erythropoietin is a hormone that is produced by the kidney cell and functions in the production of the red blood cells.
The endocrine system consists of glands that release hormones, which are chemical messengers regulating and coordinating processes such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
Among the seven major endocrine organs, the major endocrine organs consist of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries in females, and testes in males.
The four main endocrine glands are the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas, all playing a central role in hormone regulation in the body.
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