The endocrine system is represented by the diagram below.
Explanation:
The term 'endocrine' comes from the Greek words 'endo' which means 'within', and 'crine' which means 'to secrete'. Hence, the endocrine system in our body is responsible for secreting certain hormones within our system. These help in managing different functions in our body.
In a nutshell, here are the main parts of the endocrine system along with their functions:
- Hypothalamus: Forms the main connection between the endocrine system and the nervous system.
- Pituitary gland: This 'master gland' controls and manages the functioning of several other glands in the body.
- Pineal gland: Mainly concerned with the sleeping cycle.
- Thyroid gland: Responsible for maintaining metabolism in the body for adequate functioning.
- Pancreas: Doubles up functioning both for the digestive as well as the endocrine system. Helps in controlling the sugar content and produces digestive enzymes.
- Adrenal gland: Produces epinephrine or adrenaline, more commonly known as the 'fight or flight hormone', for times when the body needs to respond quickly to stimulus.
