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Looking at the word Endocrinology, the first thing that
would usually enter your mind is “hormones”. Basically hormones since this are
secreted by the Endocrine System. Without studying Endocrinology further, we
all know that hormones are the reason why we undergo puberty during
adolescence, why we experience menstruation for girls and deepening of voice
and broadening of shoulders for boys to name a few. Also, we know that hormones
are responsible for the maintenance of glucose level in the blood, why we
undergo growth and development and why people have different rate of
metabolism. These statements are logically correct because Endocrinology plays
a role in the development of the reproductive system of the body. The male and
female secretes sex hormones Testosterone (male), Estrogen and Progesterone (female)
that contributes to their growth and development especially in the development
of their sexual characteristics.
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| the menstrual cycle |
For the Glucose Level and other blood
nutrients in the body to be maintained, the hormone “cortisol” which is the
major hormone of glucocorticoids helps in the breakdown of fats and proteins in
the body so that they can be use as energy.
Growth hormones are responsible for
the development of the bones and muscles. These secretions of hormones in the
pituitary gland can affect the growth development. For example, too little
secretion of growth hormones can lead to “dwarfism” while excess growth
hormones can result to “gigantism”. Other
function of the Endocrine System includes regulation of the water balance in
the body and regulation of uterine contractions for the period of birth
delivery and milk production for mothers.
The
changes that we encounter or feel inside our body are only the effects of these
hormones. The role of these hormones in our body is crucial since a little
change or disturbance in the balance of these hormones could have a great
effect on the normal functioning of our body.
References : Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology by Seeley, Stephens and Tate ; Clinical Chemistry Review Outlin by Rodolfo Rabor
Photo Credits: weheartit.com/entry/26591034, weheartit.com/entry/20428139, weheartit.com/entry/964160
