Monday, January 4, 2010

The Endocrine System

The endocrine system refers to the hormone system of the body. Hormones are chemicals produced by living cells in very very small amounts. They are transported around the body in the blood. Hormones regulate and co-ordinate different organs in the body.
Click on the picture for a large detailed image of the endocrine system.


........ Hormones are classified into two groups
  1. Peptides
  • Made of proteins
  • Fast acting
  • Short – lived
  • E.g. Insulin and ADH
  1. Steroids
  • Slow acting
  • Long lasting
  • Usually end in “one”
  • E.g. Testosterone and Progesterone.
Hormones control themselves by a means of feedback control.
Feedback control basically means that when the hormone is in large supply, the gland stops making it.
When the level of hormone is low, the gland secretes the hormone until the level rises again..

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