Unit 6 – Introduction to Endocrine Tissues

Introduction to Endocrine System Tissues

Along with the nervous system, the endocrine system helps regulate a variety of body functions to help maintain homeostasis.  The endocrine system accomplishes this by using many different chemical messengers known as hormones secreted from endocrine glands to help regulate the activities of specific body tissues and organs.  Most hormones secreted by endocrine tissues are distributed throughout the body by the circulatory system.  Circulating hormones bind to specific receptors on target cells where they influence target cell activities through a variety of mechanisms.  Some hormones can also act as paracrine factors by spreading directly through interstitial fluid to influence the activity of target cells in a localized area.

This unit covers the basic histology and hormone production of selected endocrine glands.  Specifically, there is a chapter dedicated to each of the following:  the cortex and medulla of the adrenal glands, the endocrine and exocrine tissues of the pancreas, and the anterior and posterior regions of the pituitary gland.  The organization of the thyroid and parathyroid glands is also covered in a single chapter since their tissues are closely associated in the human body.  This unit also contains a chapter that provides numerous endocrine system tissue quizzes and interactive learning activities.