Introduction (Thesis):

The endocrine system is an integrated system of small organs which involve the release of extracellular signaling molecules known as hormones.

Hormones:

                     I.      Hormones are extracellular signaling molecules and participate in the transfer information and instructions form on set of cells to another.

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   1. Among the hormones that this integrated system produce are prolactin, growth hormones, thyrotropin, and corticotropin.

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   1. Factors such as stress, infection, and changes in the balance of fluid and minerals in blood can influence hormone levels.

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   1. These hormones are active in the regulation of

·        metabolism

·        growth and development

·        tissue function

·        mood

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   1. Among the hormones that this integrated system produce are prolactin, growth hormones, thyrotropin, and corticotropin.

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   1. Each hormone affects only the cells that are programmed genetically to receive and respond to its message.

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   1. Once the hormone locks into its receptor, it transmits a message that causes the target site to take a specific action.

g.  Among the hormones it produces are:

·        growth hormone: which stimulates the growth of bone and other body tissues and plays a role in the body's handling of nutrients and minerals

·        prolactin: which activates milk production in women who are breastfeeding

·        thyrotropin: which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones

·        corticotrophin: which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce certain hormones

Functions:

                   II.      Glands located in many regions of the body release into the bloodstream specific chemical messengers called hormones, which regulate the many and varied functions of an organism.

a.      The endocrine system uses blood vessels as information channels.

b.      The endocrine system is an information signal system much like the nervous system. However, the nervous system uses nerves to conduct information, whereas the endocrine system uses blood vessels as information channels.

Role in Disease:

                  III.      Diseases of the endocrine system are common, including diseases such as

·        diabetes mellitus

·        thyroid disease

·        obesity

a.       Hypofunction of endocrine glands can occur as result of loss of

·        reserve

·        hyposecretion

·        agenesis

·        atrophy or active destruction

b.      Hyperfunction can occur as result of

·        hypersecretion

·        loss of suppression

·        hyperplastic or neoplastic change

·        Hyperstimulation

c.      Cancer can occur in endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, and hormones have been implicated in signaling distant tissues to proliferate

Conclusion:

Basically, the glands of the endocrine system and the hormones they release influence almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies.