The endocrine system is a chemical messenger system comprising feedback loops of the hormones released by internal glands of an organism directly into the circulatory system, regulating distant target organs. In general, a gland selects and removes materials from the blood, processes them and secretes the finishe… Explore the interactive 3-D diagram below to learn more about the endocrine system. Hormones coordinate complex body processes, such as metabolism and growth. These hormones regulate the body's growth, metabolism (the physical and chemical processes of the body), and sexual development and function. Call your provider if you have: Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/12/2020. The glands of the endocrine system include: Some endocrine glands also have non-endocrine functions. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Through these actions, the endocrine system regulates nearly every metabolic activity of the body to produce an integrated response. Your endocrine system needs the same things the rest of your body needs to stay healthy. Some hormones affect nearly all cells, while others regulate and affect only a single organ. The glands, located all over your body, create and secrete (release) hormones. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. This process, called homeostasis, works similarly to the thermostat in your house. What is the Endocrine System Function? The endocrine system works to regulate certain internal processes. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Hormones like estrogen and testosterone are crucial to your heath, and a hormonal imbalance can cause symptoms like acne and weight gain. The suprarenal glands are…. The endocrine system is responsible for regulating a range of bodily functions through the release of hormones. Some glands are tiny, about the size of a grain of rice or a pea. Many of these glands help to regulate each other, such as by the pituitary gland secreting thyroid stimulating hormone, also known as TSH. However, while the nervous system uses nerve impulses and neurotransmitters for communication, the endocrine system uses chemical messengers called hormones. Conditions that can affect the endocrine system, Everything You Should Know About Hormonal Imbalance. This imbalance can cause health problems, such as weight gain, high blood pressure and changes in sleep, mood and behavior. The pituitary gland is a pea-sized structure located at the base of the brain, just below the hypothalamus, to which it is attached via nerve fibers. In people with Graves disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid, which causes it to produce more thyroid hormone than normal. Why’s Your Poop Brown and What Can Cause Color Changes? Endocrine System Functions. Learn about their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. How hormones work A hormone will only act on a part of the body if it ‘fits’. These chemicals help coordinate your body’s functions, from metabolism to growth and development, emotions, mood, sexual function and even sleep. Studies show many people don’t get enough magnesium in their diets, and that’s a shame…, When those chompers start peeking out through your baby's smile, it's time to start an oral hygiene routine. Magnesium for anxiety is one benefit of this important mineral. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it. In humans, the major endocrine glands are the thyroid gland and the adrenal glands. Endocrine system hormones work even if the target cells are distant from the endocrine glands. Hormones affect nearly every process in your body, including: Sometimes glands produce too much or not enough of a hormone. Your endocrine system: Makes hormones that control your moods, growth and development, metabolism, organs, and reproduction; Controls how your hormones are released The glands of the endocrine system are where hormones are produced, stored, and released. The endocrine system is a series of glands that produce and secrete hormones that the body uses for a wide range of functions. Your endocrine system is made up of several organs called glands. What is the endocrine system? The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones, chemical substances produced in the body that regulate the activity of cells or organs. Hormones act on nearby tissues or are carried in the bloodstream to act on specific target organs and distant tissues. A hormone can be thought of as a key, and its target site (such as an organ) has specially shaped locks on the cell walls. The largest gland is the pancreas, which is about 6 inches long. 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