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==Introduction==

==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 - 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.   

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 - 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 integrates with, and is under the control of the [[Nervous and Special Senses - Anatomy & Physiology#Nervous System|Nervous System]] with close association between the [[Hypothalamus - Anatomy & Physiology|Hypothalamus]] and the [[Pituitary Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|Pituitary Gland]], which acts to co-ordinate many of the body's other endocrine glands. The system relies largely on [[Negative Feedback - Anatomy & Physiology|negative feedback]] loops to maintain homeostasis, with some examples of [[Positive Feedback - Anatomy & Physiology|positive feedback]] to elicit suitable responses.

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 [[Hypothalamus - Anatomy & Physiology|hypothalamus]] and the [[Pituitary Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|pituitary gland]], which acts to co-ordinate many of the body's other endocrine glands. The system relies largely on [[Negative Feedback - Anatomy & Physiology|negative feedback]] loops to maintain homeostasis, with some examples of [[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 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.

==The main endocrine glands==  

==The main endocrine glands==