The main factors characterizing the human endocrine system

The human body bases its work on the well-coordinated interaction of a large number of cells, tissues and organs, having a different structure and functional purpose. To implement this interaction, during the evolution of living organisms, a number of biological mechanisms have been created that control the activity of internal organs and ensure the adaptation of their work to changing external and internal conditions. Such mechanisms include the human endocrine system .

The action of the endocrine system

The action of endocrine organs is based on the production of special active substances - hormones. It has a close relationship with the functioning of the nervous system of the body. The hypothalamus produces corticoliberin, which stimulates the pituitary gland to release corticotropin. In response, the endocrine glands expel the hormones of corticosteroids. The level of these hormones serves as a signal reference for neurons and stimulates the endocrine system. Hormones penetrate to cells through the intercellular space or through blood vessels. Cells that are sensitive to the effects of hormones have special receptors on their surface. These receptors are able to perceive even an insignificant amount of hormonal substance and, upon contact with it, cause intracellular changes.

Organs of the human endocrine system

There are several organs responsible for the production of hormones. In addition, in many tissues of the body there are special cells that carry out the secretion of the hormonal substance. In this regard, the endocrine system is divided into two parts: glandular and diffuse. The first part includes the glands of internal secretion. For example, such glands as the adrenal glands, pancreas, genital, thyroid and parathyroid glands. The diffuse part is formed by separate endocrine cells located in various tissues of the whole organism.

Main functions of the endocrine system

Hormones released into the blood carry out the following functions:

1. Participation in biochemical reactions of the body.
2. Coordination of joint activities of internal organs of man.
3. Influence on growth of an organism and maintenance of development of all its systems. For example, promoting the absorption of calcium and the growth of bones of the skeleton.
4. Sexual distinction and maintenance of reproductive function. The sex glands and bark of the adrenal glands, which are also included in the endocrine system, are secreted substances that provide the formation of primary and secondary sexual characteristics.
5. Adjustment of the organism to changes in the environment. An example is the substances of the catecholamine group, such as adrenaline. They are able to influence the rhythm of the heartbeats, sweating, dilated bronchial tubes.
6. Influence on the psychoemotional state and behavioral aspects of human activity. For example, glucocorticoid hormones can cause euphoria in a person, but their overabundance leads to serious stress.