Endocrine system
The endocrine system is made up of glands (like the pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, and parathyroid glands, the pancreas, and the ovaries or testicles) throughout the body. Endocrine glands secrete hormones, or body chemicals, into the bloodstream.
The endocrine system affects many different body functions, including growth and the production of energy (metabolism). Disorders of this system can result in problems such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, or Addison's disease.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
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