An Essay On The Endocrine System

1250 Words3 Pages

Jennifer Mauro & Henna Assifi
Mrs. Panah
Anatomy
17 October 2017
Endocrine System There are many organ systems involved in allowing the human body to function properly. A very important one is the endocrine system, which is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones are a chemical communication system that transfers information between cells that regulate different functions of the body. These functions include metabolism, growth, and sexual development and function. Glands of the endocrine system are spread out in different parts of the body. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pineal gland are found in the brain. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are found in the neck. On top of the kidneys …show more content…

There are two pairs of parathyroid glands, one on each side of the thyroid. Hormones secreted from these glands regulate calcium levels in blood and bone metabolism. The thyroid gland is located in the lower, front part of the neck. Thyroid hormones also regulate metabolism, as well as bone growth and development in children. Additionally, they maintain normal blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, muscle tone, and reproductive glands. The release of these hormones are controlled by pituitary glands. The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. There are two parts: adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex, the outermost layer, releases hormones that are necessary to live. Examples of these hormones are cortisol and aldosterone. The adrenal medulla, the inner layer, releases nonessential hormones such as adrenaline. The pancreas is located behind the stomach, in back of the abdomen. Functions of the pancreas include maintaining blood sugar and digestion. Hormones released are insulin and glucagon, which control blood sugar levels. The pancreas is part of the digestive system, as well as the endocrine …show more content…

It is a hypofunctional disease, because not enough of a certain gland is produced. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is producing little to no insulin, and the amount of glucose circulating in the bloodstream is too high. Treatments for type 1 diabetes include taking insulin, carbohydrate, fat and protein counting, frequent blood sugar monitoring, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. In type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t respond to insulin, causing an excessive amount of glucose to circulate in the blood. Treatments for type 2 diabetes include eating healthy, exercising regularly, and monitoring

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