Endocrine Coordination: Functions and Hormonal Health

Endocrine Coordination and the Hormonal System

Endocrine coordination is a mechanism which regulates the action of many of the body’s organs in a slow way over a long period of time.

It is carried out by the endocrine system, which is made up of a network of endocrine glands specialized in manufacturing and secreting hormones into the blood. Blood transports hormones all around the body, but the hormones only affect certain organs or cells called target cells.

The Role of the Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is the most important gland, since some of the hormones that it manufactures control secretion by the rest of the glands.

Other Key Endocrine Glands

Other endocrine glands include:

• Thyroid gland
• Parathyroid gland
• Adrenal gland
• Pancreas
• Ovaries
• Testicles

Some organs in the human body that perform other functions can also function like endocrine glands. For example, the placenta manufactures and releases progesterone throughout pregnancy.

How Endocrine Coordination Works

Hormones are only produced when they are required and in the quantities needed. To manufacture and release the right amount of hormones, the endocrine system has a regulation mechanism called the hypothalamus.

• The hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland: The hypothalamus receives a message and stimulates the pituitary gland to manufacture hormones.
• The pituitary gland stimulates other glands: The pituitary gland releases hormones which circulate through the blood and stimulate other endocrine glands to produce their hormones.
• Hormones regulate other organs: The hormones manufactured in the glands are released into the blood and reach the organs or target cells where they regulate their activity.
• The increase in hormones halts secretion: When the amount of hormones in the blood rises above a certain level, the hypothalamus stops stimulating the pituitary gland, which halts the release of hormones.

Health of the Endocrine System

Disorders of the Endocrine System

Most endocrine disorders are caused by a change in a gland’s hormone production. A gland suffers from hyperfunction when it produces hormones above normal levels, and hypofunction if it releases less hormone than is needed.

• Gigantism and dwarfism: These are due to, respectively, a high or low production of growth hormone (GH), resulting in people who are very tall or very short.
• Hyperthyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid increases in size and manufactures too much thyroxin.
• Diabetes: This is an illness caused by decreased secretion of insulin by the pancreas. Hyperglycaemia occurs as a result—that is, an increase in the amount of glucose in the blood. This leads to serious damage to the body, such as blindness or renal failure.

Healthy Habits for Hormonal Balance

Habits which promote a healthy endocrine system include following a healthy diet, avoiding alcoholic drinks, and regular physical exercise.