7.1 General characteristics of the endocrine system
7.2 Hormone production
7.3 Transport of hormones by blood
7.4 Physiological effects of hormones
7.5 Catabolism and excretion of hormones
7.6 Regulation of endocrine function
7.7 Assessment of endocrine function
7.8 Pituitary physiology
7.9 Thyroid gland
7.10 Parathyroid glands
7.11 Endocrine function of the pancreas
7.12 Physiology of the adrenal glands (cortical and medullary layers)
7.13 Sex glands and hormonal function of the placenta
7.14 Pineal gland
7.15 Thymus
Profile materials Control questions Situational tasks
7.1. General characteristics of the endocrine system
The endocrine system is a set of interconnected and differently organized endocrine cells, performing central control of body functions with the help of special-
ized molecules - hormones. Hormones are extracellular signal regulators formed by endocrine cells; they mainly act on receptors of target cells at a distance. Type of endocrine cell association
Forming endocrine glands like the thyroid, adrenal glands, etc.
Forming a part of glandular organ like islets of the pancreas, gonads, etc. or non-glandular organ like the kidney, heart, vascular endothelium, etc.
Endocrine cells are diffusely located in organs (gastrointestinal pancreatic system).
Interaction of all endocrine structures forms a whole endocrine system.
Interactions of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems form a united system of neural, immune, and endocrine regulation.
Types of action of hormones
Endocrine (distant) action: hormones of the endocrine gland act on target cells of other organs and tissues.
Paracrine action: endocrine cell hormones act on adjacent cells within the same organ (gastrointestinal hormones, prostaglandins, etc.).