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J
Jonathan Bednarczyk
12/20/2025
Health
Endocrine system
22
•
Dec 20, 2025
•
Understanding the Endocrine System: Functions and Hormones
J
Jonathan Bednarczyk
@jonathanbednarc
1 / 3
Endocrine System Basics
Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands directly into your bloodstream. They only affect target tissues that have specific receptors for them—think of it like keys that only work with certain locks. Unlike neurotransmitters (which work at nerve junctions), hormones travel throughout your body.
The endocrine system manages numerous vital functions including metabolism, digestion, tissue development, and water balance. It also regulates ion levels, cardiovascular function, blood glucose, and reproduction. Your body produces two main types of hormones: water-soluble hormones (proteins, peptides, and amino acids) and lipid-soluble hormones (steroids and eicosanoids).
Hormone release is controlled through several mechanisms. Negative feedback stops hormone secretion when blood levels reach a certain point, while positive feedback triggers reactions that stimulate more hormone production. The specificity of receptors ensures only the right hormone can bind to its target.
💡 Think of hormone signaling like a relay race: when a hormone (the first runner) binds to a receptor, it triggers "second messengers" inside the cell that amplify the signal thousands of times—this is called signal amplification!
The Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus
Your pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" because it controls so many other endocrine glands. The anterior pituitary creates hormones under hypothalamic control, while the posterior pituitary stores and releases hormones made in the hypothalamus, including antidiuretic hormone (which conserves water in your kidneys) and oxytocin (which triggers contractions and milk production).
The hypothalamus produces "releasing hormones" that regulate heart rate, body temperature, hunger, and sleep-wake cycles. It works closely with the pituitary to control the release of several critical hormones including growth hormone (which stimulates growth of bones, muscles, and organs) and thyroid stimulating hormone (which regulates thyroid gland secretion).
Other important pituitary hormones include follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (which control reproduction), prolactin (which stimulates milk production), and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (which stimulates the adrenal cortex). When these hormones malfunction, conditions like gigantism (excess growth hormone) or dwarfism (deficient growth hormone) can result.
🧠 The relationship between your hypothalamus and pituitary gland is like a boss and assistant: the hypothalamus gives the orders (releasing hormones), and the pituitary carries them out by producing hormones that affect the rest of your body!
Adrenal Glands and Pancreas
Your adrenal glands sit atop your kidneys and have two distinct parts. The adrenal medulla (inner part) produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which trigger your "fight or flight" response when you're stressed. The adrenal cortex (outer part) produces hormones like aldosterone and cortisol .
The pancreas functions as a mixed gland with both digestive and hormonal roles. The outside secretes digestive enzymes, while specialized clusters inside called pancreatic islets regulate blood nutrient levels. Alpha cells secrete glucagon (which raises blood sugar), beta cells produce insulin (which lowers blood sugar), and delta cells release somatostatin.
When the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or your body can't use it effectively, diabetes mellitus results. Type 1 diabetes is typically present from birth and requires daily insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes develops over time, often related to diet and lifestyle. Maintaining proper blood sugar balance is crucial—too low (hypoglycemia) or too high (hyperglycemia) can cause serious health problems.
⚡ Your adrenal glands are your body's emergency response system! When you're stressed, they flood your body with hormones that prepare you to either fight the threat or run from it—increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability all within seconds.
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You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
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Students love us — and so will you.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding the Endocrine System: Functions and Hormones
J
Jonathan Bednarczyk
@jonathanbednarc
The endocrine system is your body's chemical messaging network, using hormones to regulate everything from metabolism to mood. This complex system works through specialized glands that release hormones directly into your bloodstream, affecting target tissues throughout your body. Understanding how... Show more
Endocrine System Basics
Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands directly into your bloodstream. They only affect target tissues that have specific receptors for them—think of it like keys that only work with certain locks. Unlike neurotransmitters (which work at nerve junctions), hormones travel throughout your body.
The endocrine system manages numerous vital functions including metabolism, digestion, tissue development, and water balance. It also regulates ion levels, cardiovascular function, blood glucose, and reproduction. Your body produces two main types of hormones: water-soluble hormones (proteins, peptides, and amino acids) and lipid-soluble hormones (steroids and eicosanoids).
Hormone release is controlled through several mechanisms. Negative feedback stops hormone secretion when blood levels reach a certain point, while positive feedback triggers reactions that stimulate more hormone production. The specificity of receptors ensures only the right hormone can bind to its target.
💡 Think of hormone signaling like a relay race: when a hormone (the first runner) binds to a receptor, it triggers "second messengers" inside the cell that amplify the signal thousands of times—this is called signal amplification!
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The Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus
Your pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" because it controls so many other endocrine glands. The anterior pituitary creates hormones under hypothalamic control, while the posterior pituitary stores and releases hormones made in the hypothalamus, including antidiuretic hormone (which conserves water in your kidneys) and oxytocin (which triggers contractions and milk production).
The hypothalamus produces "releasing hormones" that regulate heart rate, body temperature, hunger, and sleep-wake cycles. It works closely with the pituitary to control the release of several critical hormones including growth hormone (which stimulates growth of bones, muscles, and organs) and thyroid stimulating hormone (which regulates thyroid gland secretion).
Other important pituitary hormones include follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (which control reproduction), prolactin (which stimulates milk production), and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (which stimulates the adrenal cortex). When these hormones malfunction, conditions like gigantism (excess growth hormone) or dwarfism (deficient growth hormone) can result.
🧠 The relationship between your hypothalamus and pituitary gland is like a boss and assistant: the hypothalamus gives the orders (releasing hormones), and the pituitary carries them out by producing hormones that affect the rest of your body!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Adrenal Glands and Pancreas
Your adrenal glands sit atop your kidneys and have two distinct parts. The adrenal medulla (inner part) produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which trigger your "fight or flight" response when you're stressed. The adrenal cortex (outer part) produces hormones like aldosterone and cortisol .
The pancreas functions as a mixed gland with both digestive and hormonal roles. The outside secretes digestive enzymes, while specialized clusters inside called pancreatic islets regulate blood nutrient levels. Alpha cells secrete glucagon (which raises blood sugar), beta cells produce insulin (which lowers blood sugar), and delta cells release somatostatin.
When the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or your body can't use it effectively, diabetes mellitus results. Type 1 diabetes is typically present from birth and requires daily insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes develops over time, often related to diet and lifestyle. Maintaining proper blood sugar balance is crucial—too low (hypoglycemia) or too high (hyperglycemia) can cause serious health problems.
⚡ Your adrenal glands are your body's emergency response system! When you're stressed, they flood your body with hormones that prepare you to either fight the threat or run from it—increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability all within seconds.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Endocrine System
Most popular content in Health
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user