University Biology: Endocrine System, Glands, and Hormones Report

This report provides an overview of the endocrine system, detailing its major glands and their functions. It begins by introducing the endocrine system as a network of glands responsible for regulating various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction through the secretion of hormones. The report then discusses specific glands, including the hypothalamus (the control center), the pituitary gland (master gland), the thyroid and parathyroid glands (involved in metabolism and calcium regulation), the adrenal glands (responsible for the fight or flight response), and the gonads (involved in sexual and reproductive development). Furthermore, the pancreas is discussed for its role in glucose metabolism. The report emphasizes the importance of the endocrine system in maintaining homeostasis and concludes that without it, essential metabolic and biochemical functions would be lost. The report is based on the information from Khan Academy's video on the endocrine system, providing a concise summary of key concepts and functions.

Running head: THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Introduction
The given video discussed upon the endocrine system, its major associated glands and
the key functions performed by these glands (Khan Academy, 2020). According to the video
(Khan Academy, 2020), the endocrine system is the name given to a collective organ system
comprising of glands which are associated with a range of regulatory functions within the
body, namely: metabolism, development, growth, reproduction, sexual function, emotions,
mood and even response to emergencies. The endocrine system performs these activities via
secretion and circulation of chemical messengers known as hormones (Khan Academy, 2020)
The following sections will briefly highlight the key functions of various endocrine glans
discussed in the video.
Discussion
Some of the key endocrine glands, as stated by the video (Khan Academy, 2020),
which are a part of the endocrine system include: the hypothalamus gland, the pituitary gland,
the thyroid and parathyroid glands, the pancreas, the adrenal glands and the gonads. The
hypothalamus is known as the control centre of all endocrinal activities and are responsible
for secretion of the anti-diuretic hormone and oxytocin. The pituitary gland or the master
gland plays a major role in individual growth and development via growth hormone
secretion. The thyroid and parathyroid hormones regulate metabolism and calcium
homoeostasis via T3, T4 and parathyroid hormone secretions (Khan Academy, 2020). The
adrenal glands regulate the fight or flight response via secretion of steroids and
catecholamines. The gonads are responsible for development of sexual and reproductive
system in males and females. Pancreas plays a key role in glucose metabolism regulation via
secretion of insulin and glucagon (Khan Academy, 2020). According to the video (Khan
Academy, 2020), the endocrine system differentiates itself from paracrine and autocrine

2THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
system by regulating activities at a distance from the targeted organs and tissues via hormonal
secretion circulating in the blood.
Conclusion
Thus, it can be observed from the video, that an individual’s daily activities,
development and growth are largely dependent on the functioning of the endocrine system.
To conclude, hormones, cells and tissues would lose their basic metabolic and biochemical
functions.

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References
Khan Academy. (2020). The Endocrine System. Retrieved 5 March 2020, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER49EweKwW8&feature=youtu.be.