Endocrine+System

=**__ENDOCRINE SYSTEM__**= = =
 * well described, especially characteristics of life! ~Mrs. Rohland **

**﻿﻿﻿Function **
 * ===To oversee cell-to-cell communication through chemical signals===
 * ===The functions of Endocrine System are closely related to the Nervous System as far as controlling body parts to maintain homeostasis.===
 * ===The glandular cells of the Endocrine System releases hormones into the bloodstream===
 * **Hormones regulate all other body functions**

__ **Organs** __

 * The organs found in the endocrine system is the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the pineal gland (epiphysis), the thyroid gland, the parathyroid gland, the adrenal (suprarenal), the pancreas, the ovaries, and the testicles. The locations of the organs is as followed, the testicles/ovaries are the most inferior organ of the Endocrine System, while the Hypothalamus is the most superior part of the Endocrine System. The Pituitary Gland is inferior to the Pineal gland, but superior to the Thyroid gland. The Parathyroid gland in inferior to the Thyroid gland, but superior to the Adrenal glands. The Adrenal glands are superior to the Pancreas, Ovaries, and Testes. The Testes are inferior to the Ovaries, and Pancreas. The Ovaries are superior to the Testes.**

Characteristics of Life:
===•__Growth:__ Growth hormone stimulates cells to increase in size and divide more frequently. It also enhances the movement of amino acids across cell membranes and speeds the rate at which cells utilize carbohydrates and fats. The hormone's effect on amino acids is important in stimulationg growth.=== ===__•reproductive__: Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone are gonadotropins, which means they exert their actions on the gonads, or reproductive organs. Gonads are the testes in the male and the ovaries in the female. Sex hormones play a major role in development of secondary sex characteristics, egg, and sperm.===
 * •__Respiration:__ Decreased oxygen causes hormonal stimulation of red blood cell production; red blood cells transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.**
 * •__Circulation:__ Hormones are carred in the bloodstream; some have direct actions on the heart and blood vessels.**
 * •__Digestion:__Hormones help control digestive system activity.**
 * •__Responsiveness:__ Contracts muscles in the uterine wall; contracts muscles associated with milk-secreting glands. Also, hormones help increase blood flow to exercising muscles.**

__**Body Cavaties**__

 * The cavaties that the organs are found in are the Cranial Cavity, the Vertebral Canal, the Thoracic Cavity, the Abdominal Cavity, and the Pelvic Cavity.**
 * Some examples that the Endocrine System interacts with is the Integumentary System is that the melanocytes produce skin pigment in response to hormal stimulation. The Lymphatic System interacts with the Endocrine System by the hormones stimulate lymphocyte production. In the Skeletal System the hormones act on bones to contral calcium balance. Also, in the nervous system the neurons control the secretions of the anterior and posterior pituitary glands and the adrenal medulla.**

**__Metabolism__**

 * Metabolism fits in with the Endocrine System because due to the fact that the endocrine system affects almost every cell and organ in the body, the endocrine system is comprised of glands that emit chemicals controlling many bodily functions. These functions include cell growth and development, mood, sexual functions, and metabolism. Metabolism is the process of converting fuel from foods into energy for the body to function correctly. The thyroid gland is the one that effects metabolism. The thyroid is the portion of the endocrine system responsible for secreting hormones that control the rate at which the body's cells burn fuel for energy. The more hormones the thyroid produces, the faster the chemical process of converting fuel to energy occurs.**

__**Homeostasis**__

 * The hypothalamus is the control center of the endocrine system. Apart from other functions that the hypothalamus performs, it mediates between the nervous and endocrine systems to maintain homeostasis. The definition of homeostasis is the regulation of the internal environment of the body that takes place through several complex biological processes. These processes operate through the autonomic nervous system to neutralize changes that upset metabolic equilibrium.**