Endocrine system

The endocrine system is a group of organs and glands that help control important activities in the body by releasing special chemicals called hormones. Unlike the nervous system, which uses electrical signals to act quickly, the endocrine system works more slowly but has longer-lasting effects. It helps the body stay balanced, grow, and respond to changes over time.

The main parts of the endocrine system include glands such as the pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and gonads (the ovaries in girls and the testes in boys). Each gland produces different hormones, which travel through the blood to organs and tissues, telling them what to do and when to do it. For example, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps control the amount of sugar in the blood.

The pituitary gland is often called the “master gland” because it controls many other glands. It sends out hormones that help with growth, water balance, and reproduction. The thyroid gland in the neck releases hormones that control how fast the body uses energy, like how quickly food turns into energy or how warm the body stays. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and help the body respond to stress by producing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

The endocrine system also plays an important role in puberty, the time when a child’s body changes into an adult’s. Hormones from the brain and gonads control growth spurts, voice changes, and the development of new body features. These hormones ensure that the body grows and matures in a healthy way.

The endocrine system works closely with the nervous system to keep the body balanced, a state known as homeostasis. For example, when the body needs more energy, the endocrine system releases hormones that make the heart beat faster and muscles ready for action. When the job is done, other hormones signal the body to return to normal.

Keeping the endocrine system healthy involves eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. Problems can happen when glands make too much or too little of a hormone, such as in diabetes or thyroid disorders. Doctors can treat many of these problems with medicine that helps balance hormone levels. The endocrine system may be small, but its chemical messages control nearly every part of life—from growth and sleep to emotions and energy.