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==The Endocrine System==

==The Endocrine System==

Comprised of a group of [[Endocrine System - Endocrine Glands - Anatomy & Physiology|glands]], the endocrine system secretes [[Endocrine System - Hormones - Anatomy & Physiology|hormones]] into the bloodstream which may have their effects on tissues and organs far from where they were produced.   

Comprised of a group of ductless [[Endocrine System - Endocrine Glands - Anatomy & Physiology|glands]] with limited or no anatomical contact with eachother, the Endocrine System integrates and controls metabolic activity through the secretion of [[Endocrine System - Hormones - Anatomy & Physiology|hormones]] into the [[Vascular System - Anatomy & Physiology|vascular system]]. These hormones may have their effects on tissues and organs far from where they were produced.   

The endocrine system consists of cells and tissues that have no direct anatomical contact with each other but still function as a unit. The function of the endocrine system is to integrate with the nervous system to control the physiology of the body systems.  

The endocrine system integrates with, and is under the control of the [[Nervous and Special Senses - Anatomy & Physiology#Nervous System|Nervous System]] with close association between the [[Endocrine System - Hypothalamus - Anatomy & Physiology|Hypothalamus]] and the [[Endocrine System - Pituitary Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|Pituitary Gland]], which acts to co-ordinate many of the body's other endocrine glands. The system relies largely on [[Endocrine System - Negative Feedback - Anatomy & Physiology|negative feedback]] loops to maintain homeostasis, with some examples of [[Endocrine System - Positive Feedback - Anatomy & Physiology|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 - Anatomy & Physiology|vascular system]].  In contrast the [[Exocrine - Anatomy & Physiology|exocrine]] system utilises ducts enabling it to secrete its contents directly to its target area.   

 

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 wherby they are rapidly absorbed into the circulatory system.  In contrast the exocrine system has a duct system and so can secrete its contents directly into its target area.   

Here we will consider the main endocrine glands and their functional anatomy and physiology:

Here we will consider the main endocrine glands and their functional anatomy and physiology: