Learn the importance of the ten glands of the human endocrine system
The 10 glands of the human endocrine system release hormones into the vascular system when stimulated. These hormones direct the actions of the body's cells.
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Transcript
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NARRATOR: The endocrine system is composed of ten glands in different parts of the body. When the endocrine glands are stimulated they produce molecules called hormones and release them into the vascular system. Hormones are like chemical messengers transported by the blood to target cells. When it reaches a target cell the hormone attaches itself to a specific receptor, which triggers a physiological process, such as cell division.
The production of many hormones is controlled by two small structures located at the base of the brain: the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is composed of nerve nuclei that control vital functions, such as sleep. The hypothalamus also controls the pituitary gland, which is the main hormone-producing gland. The pituitary alone secretes nine different hormones. Vasopressin, for example, regulates kidney functioning. Oxytocin causes contractions of the uterus during childbirth. Other pituitary hormones control skin pigmentation and bone growth. Together, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland produce a third of the body's hormones. They, therefore, have an effect on many physiological processes.
[Music out]
NARRATOR: The endocrine system is composed of ten glands in different parts of the body. When the endocrine glands are stimulated they produce molecules called hormones and release them into the vascular system. Hormones are like chemical messengers transported by the blood to target cells. When it reaches a target cell the hormone attaches itself to a specific receptor, which triggers a physiological process, such as cell division.
The production of many hormones is controlled by two small structures located at the base of the brain: the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is composed of nerve nuclei that control vital functions, such as sleep. The hypothalamus also controls the pituitary gland, which is the main hormone-producing gland. The pituitary alone secretes nine different hormones. Vasopressin, for example, regulates kidney functioning. Oxytocin causes contractions of the uterus during childbirth. Other pituitary hormones control skin pigmentation and bone growth. Together, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland produce a third of the body's hormones. They, therefore, have an effect on many physiological processes.
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