Endocrine System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology
Introduction
Comprised of a group of duct-less glands with limited or no anatomical contact with each other, the endocrine system integrates and controls metabolic activity through the secretion of hormones into the vascular system. These hormones may have their effects on tissues and organs far from where they were produced.
The endocrine system integrates with, and is under the control of the nervous system with close association between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, which acts to co-ordinate many of the body's other endocrine glands. The system relies largely on negative feedback loops to maintain homeostasis, with some examples of positive feedback to elicit suitable responses.
Many of the endocrine glands have a similar basic structure, composed of clusters of secretory cells of epithelial origin. Hormones are secreted into the interstitial space whereby they are rapidly absorbed into the vascular system. In contrast the exocrine system utilises ducts enabling it to secrete its contents directly to its target area.
The Endocrine Glands
Tissues and organs with endocrine functions
Homeostatic mechanisms under hormonal control
| Endocrine System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology Learning Resources | |
|---|---|
 Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions |
Endocrinology Flashcards |
 Anatomy Museum Resources |
Endocrine System Quiz |
Acknowledgements and Reference Material
- Dyce, K.M., Sack, W.O. and Wensing, C.J.G. (2002) Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders.
- Sjaastad, O.V., Hove, K. and Sand, O. (2004) Physiology of Domestic Animals. Oslo: Scandinavian Veterinary Press.
- Histology images provided by RVC
Error in widget FBRecommend: unable to write file /var/www/wikivet.net/extensions/Widgets/compiled_templates/wrt6769f4da5f8ab5_68700253 Error in widget google+: unable to write file /var/www/wikivet.net/extensions/Widgets/compiled_templates/wrt6769f4da66afc0_02085375 Error in widget TwitterTweet: unable to write file /var/www/wikivet.net/extensions/Widgets/compiled_templates/wrt6769f4da6c93e3_91160766
|
| WikiVet® Introduction - Help WikiVet - Report a Problem |