what are endocrine systems

Dear Anon, the question is a good one. Are you asking for self-knowledge or is this for school work? The Endocrine System is composed of several glands; clusters of cells located within certain organs, and isolated endocrine cells in the epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. The main function of the endocrine system is to oversee all hormone production. Glands include: Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pineal and thymus glands which are all the ductless glands of the endocrine system. Within the pancreas, ovaries and testes, there are discrete clusters of hormone producing, endocrine tissue. In addition, the hypothalamus, which principally carries out neural functions, also synthesises and secretes hormones, and hence it can be described as a neuroendocrine organ

Hormones are secreted directly into the surrounding tissue fluid, then taken up by blood and lymph capillaries, and transported around the body. Together with the nervous system, the endocrine system is responsible for controlling, coordinating and integrating the body’s metabolic activities.

Physicians treating conditions related to the Endocrine System are called Endocrinologists.

The two links below can offer additional information as well as pictures and one is very interactive:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/anatomy_of_the_endocrine_system/article_em.htm

http://www.becomehealthynow.com/article/bodyendocrine/732