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Endocrine System: Function

Nursing Knowledge

Endocrine System: Function

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands that produce hormones, which are essential for regulating various bodily functions. Understanding the endocrine system enables nurses to provide effective care especially to clients with endocrine disorders. Below, find an overview of the different glands in the endocrine system and their functions, as well as how hormones work together to maintain homeostasis in the body.
Last updated: December 4, 2023

Table of contents

What is the endocrine system?

The endocrine system consists of the glands and organs in the body that produce hormones that are released directly into the blood, which travel to tissues and organs all over the body and control the functions. (National Cancer Institute)

What does the endocrine system do?

The endocrine system regulates various functions of the body by releasing hormones into the bloodstream. These functions include metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, reproduction, sleep, and mood, among others.

Why is the endocrine system important?

The endocrine system is important because it regulates key functions in the body, helping to maintain overall health and well-being. It maintains body temperature, controls the body’s reactions to stress, and regulates growth, development, and metabolism. It also plays a significant role in maintaining the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance.

Hormones produced by the endocrine system and the functions

HormonesSecreted byFunctions
Adrenaline, cortisol, aldosterone, DHEA, testosteroneAdrenal glandsRegulates metabolism, blood pressure, immune system, and stress response
T3, T4, calcitoninThyroidRegulates metabolism, growth, development
MelatoninPineal glandRegulates sleep-wake cycles
LH, FSH, prolactin, growth hormone, TSH, ACTHPituitary glandHelps control other endocrineglands, secretes hormonesinvolved in growth, metabolism,reproduction, and blood pressure
Insulin, glucagon,somatostatin, VIPPancreasInfluences digestion,glucose control
Ovarian hormones: estrogen,progesterone, testosterone,AMH, inhibin A and BTesticular hormones:testosterone, AMH, estradiol,inhibin BOvaries/testesInfluences fertility,sexual development
ADH, oxytocin,dopamine, vasopressin, CRH,TRH, GnRH, GHRH, somatostatinHypothalamusMaintains homeostasis,influences thirst, hunger,sleep, alertness, and regulates involuntarymechanisms such as bloodpressure, body temperature,heart rate
Parathyroid hormoneParathyroidRegulates calcium levels

How does the endocrine system maintain homeostasis?

The endocrine system maintains homeostasis by using hormones as signals. For instance, if blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin to help cells absorb glucose and bring blood sugar levels back to normal. Conversely, if blood sugar levels are too low, the pancreas releases glucagon to stimulate the release of stored glucose.

In the endocrine system, what is the function of a negative feedback loop?

In a negative feedback loop, the body increases or decreases the amount of hormones to maintain homeostasis. 

Example: blood glucose regulation

Stimulus: rising blood glucose level → High blood glucose level is detected by insulin-secreting cells of pancreas → Pancreas secretes insulin causing liver cells to take up glucose and store it as glycogen → Most body cells also take up more glucose → As body cells take up blood glucose, glucose levels in the blood decline, and insulin release stops (negative feedback) → Return to homeostatic blood glucose level

What is a positive feedback loop?

Positive feedback loops are less common in the body. In a positive feedback loop, hormones cause further hormone release, leading to increasing hormone levels, rather than maintaining levels within a homeostatic range. 

Example: milk production during breastfeeding

Stimulus: baby suckles at nipple → Suckling sends impulses to hypothalamus → Hypothalamus signals posterior pituitary to release oxytocin → Oxytocin released into bloodstream stimulates milk ejection from mammary gland → Milk is released and the baby continues to feed → Baby feeds and continues suckling (positive feedback)

What is the master gland of the endocrine system?

The master gland of the endocrine system is the pituitary gland, being responsible for controlling most of the other hormone-secreting glands in the body. 

How does stress affect the endocrine system?

Stress triggers the release of several hormones from the pituitary and adrenal glands, including cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels, providing the body with a burst of energy for a ‘fight or flight’ response. Chronic stress can disrupt this balance, leading to potential health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, and depression.

How does the endocrine system work in coordination with the nervous system?

The endocrine system works in coordination with the nervous system to control and integrate body processes. While the nervous system uses electrical impulses to send messages quickly between cells or organs in response to stimuli from both internal and external environments, the endocrine system uses chemical messengers called hormones that are secreted into the bloodstream to travel to various organs and tissues where they affect how they function.

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Endocrine System: Function

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Overview of endocrine glands and hormones secreted + example of positive and negative endocrine feedback loops reviewed

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