Freenight+Endocrine+System

THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM media type="custom" key="9796310" align="right"By freenight

Function When you’re running from a burning building, a huge dog, or falling tree, you feel a burst of energy, propelling you far way. This is your [|endocrine system] in action. However, it’s only a small part of this complex system. The endocrine system produces [|hormones] that tell you what to do in both normal and emergency situations. It also causes you to grow and tells your body when to mature. We need this system because otherwise we wouldn’t be able to do certain things, like mature or run in a crisis. You may ask; how does this work? Well, an organ secretes the hormone into the [|bloodstream]. The target cells have special [|receptors] in which the hormone fits. The cell than takes the hormone in and begins the process the hormone was sent there for. However, without the [|endocrine glands], none of this would be possible.

Organs

The organs of the endocrine system work together to maintain a constant balance in the human body. The boss of the endocrine system is the [|pituitary gland], located near the bottom of the [|brain]. It controls the other endocrine glands. The [|hypothalamus] is slightly above it and is the bridge between the endocrine and [|nervous systems]. The [|thyroid] glands at the base of the throat looks a bit like a bowtie. It controls the release of food molecules in cells. The [|parathyroid] gland, little circles at each corner of the thyroid gland, regulates the amount of [|calcium] in the blood. The [|pancreas], in front of the left kidney, produces [|insulin] and [|glucagon], which control the level of sugar in the blood. The [|adrenal glands], one above each kidney, produce [|adrenalin] and sugar and also control the level of salt water in the [|kidney]. The next glands are the gender specific ones. Males have a testis on both side of the penis. [|Testes] produce [|testosterone], the male sex hormone and regulate [|sperm] production. Females have [|ovaries] which produce the female sex hormone, [|estrogen], and trigger [|egg] development. The endocrine system is complex and many systems depend on it. However, it also depends on other systems.

Systems it Works With

The human body has different systems that depend on each other. [|The muscular system] depends on the adrenal glands in the endocrine system to give it an extra boost in an emergency situation. The nervous system and the endocrine system are connected through the hypothalamus, which works with a process called negative feedback. The testes and ovaries are also part of the [|reproductive system], as they trigger egg and sperm developments and regulations and create sex hormones. All these relationships rely on a healthy endocrine system.

Health

There are many types of endocrine system defects that can lead to serious health problems. I’m going to focus on two prominent ones in our day and age: [|hyperthyroidism] and [|diabetes]. Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of metabolism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include increased eyeball size, goiters, and weight loss. The problem with hyperthyroidism is that it can lead to behavioral changes, unsightly looks, and even heart failure. Diabetes is split into two categories, [|type 1] and [|type 2]. Diabetes is when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to control the level of sugar in your blood. Type 1 is when you’re born with the disease. Type 2 is when you develop it as you get older. It can be hereditary, but is usually due to obesity and excessive sugar intake. To take a step toward staying healthy, it’s important to eat healthy, minimize stress, and follow doctor’s orders. It doesn’t hurt to check out family history, because you could have a higher risk of an endocrine disorder. Try to remain fit, active, and relaxed to lead a healthy life.

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