The Endocrine System Basics
The endocrine system consists of specialized ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into your bloodstream. These glands include the pituitary (often called the "master gland"), pineal gland, hypothalamus, thyroid, parathyroid glands, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, and gonads (ovaries in females and testes in males).
Unlike exocrine glands that have ducts or tubes (like sweat glands and salivary glands), endocrine glands release their secretions directly into the blood. Hormones are these chemical messengers that travel throughout your body to control essential functions like metabolism, growth, sexual development, and maintaining chemical balance.
The endocrine system performs crucial functions that keep your body running smoothly. It stimulates other glands to produce secretions, regulates your growth and development, controls your metabolism, maintains fluid balance, and manages various reproductive processes.
Did You Know? The word "hormone" comes from a Greek word meaning "to set in motion" - which perfectly describes how these chemical messengers activate different processes throughout your body!