This article, which forms part of the life sciences series and is the first of two articles on the

endocrine system, examines the

structure and function of the organs of the endocrine system. It is important that nurses understand how the endocrine system
works and its role in maintaining health. The role of the endocrine system and the types, actions and control of hormones are
explored. The gross structure of the pituitary and thyroid glands are described along with relevant physiology. Several
disorders of the thyroid gland are outlined. The second article examines growth hormone, the pancreas and adrenal glands.

Carolyn Johnstone
Lecturer in nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland.
Charles Hendry
Retired, was senior lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee.
Alistair Farley
Retired, was lecturer in nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee.
Ella McLafferty
Retired, was senior lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee.
Correspondence to: c.c.johnstone@dundee.ac.uk

Endocrine system, homeostatis, hyperthyroidism, hypothalamus, hypothyroidism, pituitary gland, thyroid gland

THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM is composed

of endocrine glands and hormone-producing tissues, hormones and hormone receptors (Scott 2010). The endocrine glands
include the pineal glands, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, thymus gland and adrenal glands. Several organs
and tissues that secrete hormones are also present and include, for example the hypothalamus, heart, stomach, pancreas, ovaries
in females and testes in males (Sherwood 2012) (Figure 1). While the glands and tissues of the endocrine system are mostly
separated from each other, they work as an integrated system.
HE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM is composed
of endocrine glands and hormone-producing tissues, hormones and hormone receptors (Scott 2010). The endocrine glands
include the pineal glands, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, thymus gland and adrenal glands. Several organs
and tissues that secrete hormones are also present and include, for example the hypothalamus, heart, stomach, pancreas, ovaries
in females and testes in males (Sherwood 2012) (Figure 1). While the glands and tissues of the endocrine system are mostly
separated from each other, they work as an integrated system.

Role of the endocrine system

The endocrine glands produce hormones, or chemical messengers, that are secreted into the interstitial fluid, diffuse into blood
capillaries and are carried via the circulatory system to target organs (Tortora and Derrickson 2012). The receptors of those
target organs are molecules consisting of proteins that bind specifically with hormones to stimulate particular physiological
changes in the target cell (Scott 2010). Importantly, the endocrine and nervous systems work collaboratively to manage and co-
ordinate other body systems (Cohen 2013). Both systems are involved in maintaining a stable internal environment
(homeostasis). The nervous system releases neurotransmitters at nerve synapses that act on specific muscles and glands, and are
concerned with rapid changes, while the endocrine system releases hormones involved in slower and more precise adjustments
(Tortora and Derrickson 2012).
The functions of the endocrine system are to (Sherwood 2012):
Maintain homeostasis through the regulation of nutrient metabolism, and water and electrolyte balance.
Regulate growth and production of cells.
Control the responses of the body to external stimuli, especially stress.
Control reproduction.
Control and integrate circulatory and digestive activities in collaboration with the autonomic nervous system.