Endocrine system of the body

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The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Vu Thi Duyen - Doctor of Nephrology - Endocrinology - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital. The doctor has more than 11 years of experience in medical examination and treatment of general internal medicine, especially has strengths in examination and treatment specialized in nephrology - Endocrinology.
The endocrine system of the body is responsible for producing endocrine hormones that play an extremely important role in controlling many important functions of the body, especially energy metabolism. When the endocrine system is disturbed, it will lead to many diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, adrenal insufficiency ... We will learn about the parts of the endocrine system. Check out the article below.

1. What is the endocrine system?

The endocrine system is a network of endocrine glands in the body that secrete endocrine hormones to control many important functions in the body, especially energy metabolism.
If the endocrine system is not working properly and is dysfunctional, there can be problems with the body's development such as: During puberty, pregnancy or stress management, prone to weight gain, weak bones or lack of energy due to too much sugar in the blood instead of moving to the cells that need it.

2. Functions of the endocrine system

Produce hormones that help control emotions, growth - development, metabolism and reproductive function of the body. Controls how hormones are released. Bringing hormones into the bloodstream so that they travel to other parts of the body that regulate the functioning of the organs.

3. The organs of the endocrine system

The network of endocrine glands makes up a complete and closely related endocrine system of the body. Includes: The hypothalamus, pituitary and pineal glands are located in the brain, thyroid and parathyroid glands are located in the neck, thymus, adrenal glands are located above the kidneys, and the pancreas is located behind the stomach. The ovaries (in women) and testicles (in men) are located in the pelvic region.
Specific parts of the endocrine system and their roles are as follows:
Hypothalamus: This organ helps to link the endocrine system with the nervous system. Its main job is to tell the pituitary gland to start or stop producing hormones. Pituitary gland: This is the main gland of the endocrine system. It uses information received from the brain to signal to other glands what to do. The pituitary gland makes many important hormones for the body including growth hormone (GH), ACTH, ADH, prolactin (which helps with lactation in women) and luteinizing hormone that helps manage estrogen levels in women and testosterone in men. Pineal gland: Make a chemical called melatonin that helps the body get ready for sleep.

Thyroid: This gland produces thyroid hormone that controls the body's metabolism. If thyroid hormone is not made enough (a condition called hypothyroidism) it will slow down everything inside the body: a slower heart rate, constipation appears, weight gain. Conversely, if too much of this hormone is produced (hyperthyroidism), everything works faster: heart palpitations, diarrhea, unintentional weight loss. Parathyroid glands: This is a set of four small glands behind the thyroid gland that play an important role in bone health. They control the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Thymus: This gland makes white blood cells called infection-fighting T lymphocytes, which are important for a child's immune system. The thymus begins to shrink after puberty. Adrenal glands: Best known for making the hormone adrenaline (or epinephrine), these two glands also make a hormone called corticosteroids. They affect the body's metabolism and sexual function. Pancreas: This organ is part of both the endocrine and digestive systems. It helps digestive enzymes break down food structure; Besides, it also helps to make the hormones insulin and glucagon, which help maintain the right amount of sugar in the blood and cells. If insulin is not made, then the body will develop type 1 diabetes with dangerously high blood sugar; If insulin is not produced, but not enough, it leads to type 2 diabetes.

Ovaries: In females, the ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help with breast development during puberty, regulate the menstrual cycle, and support pregnancy. Testicles: In men, the testicles produce testosterone, which helps in the growth of facial hair and body hair during puberty. It also plays a role in spermatogenesis.

4. Health problems related to the endocrine system

As the body ages, changes to the endocrine system begin to appear. Metabolism tends to slow down, so you're more likely to gain weight even if your eating or exercising habits don't change. Hormonal changes also partly explain why you are prone to heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes...
Besides age, stress, infections and certain chemicals also May cause endocrine system disturbances. In addition, genetics or habits, lifestyle also increase the likelihood of endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, diabetes or osteoporosis.

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Reference source: webmd.com