• The endocrine system works with the nervous
system to allow body parts to communicate with
one another and to “adjust constantly to changing
incoming signals”, all in an attempt to maintain
homeostasis.
• Includes cells, tissues and organs (called glands),
that secrete hormones into interstitial fluid.
• Hormones diffuse from interstitial fluid into the
bloodstream.
• Hormones are transported by the bloodstream to
their target cells.
• Exocrine glands secrete substances outside the
body.
• Ex: sweat glands, oil glands
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Regulate metabolic processes
Control chemical reaction rates
Help transport substances across cell membranes
Help regulate water and electrolyte balances
Plays vital role in reproduction
Plays vital role in development
Plays vital role in growth
• Some hormones are produced in specialized cells
of the heart, liver, and gastrointestinal tract.
• Most hormones are produced in the pancreas,
kidneys, thymus, and pituitary, thyroid, pineal,
parathyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands
(ovaries and testes).
• Steroid hormones are hormones that are
synthesized from cholesterol (lipids).
• Ex: estrogen, testosterone, aldosterone, cortisol
• Nonsteroid hormones, including amines, peptides,
Polypeptides and proteins, and glycoproteins, are
hormones that are synthesized from amino acids
(monomers of protein).
• Ex: norepinephrine, epinephrine, prolactin