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The Endocrine System

The Endocrine System

The endocrine system is an extensive network of glands – organs or tissues in the body that create chemicals that control many bodily functions, that secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that play essential roles in regulating various bodily functions. These hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. They require specific receptors to convey signals to cells possessing these corresponding receptors. This complex signaling mechanism ensures that every...

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.

An Overview of the Endocrine System

An Overview of the Endocrine System

The endocrine system, a complex network of glands, orchestrates physiological balance within the body through the production and secretion of hormones. These hormones are chemical messengers in intercellular communication, acting as conduits between the secretory cells and distant target sites. They traverse the circulatory system by being released into the extracellular fluid, and their impact is specific to cells possessing receptors for a particular hormone.
The endocrine system collaborates...

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...

What is the Endocrine System?

What is the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system sends hormones—chemical signals—through the bloodstream to target cells—the cells the hormones selectively affect. These signals are produced in endocrine cells, secreted into the extracellular fluid, and then diffuse into the blood. Eventually, they diffuse out of the blood and bind to target cells which have specialized receptors to recognize the hormones.

Structures of the Endocrine System

Structures of the Endocrine System

The intricate framework of the endocrine system encompasses a diverse array of glands, with their target tissues and organs strategically distributed throughout the body. Central to this network are the endocrine glands, specialized structures that lack ducts and release hormones directly into the interstitial fluid. Notably, the hypothalamus, a vital neuroendocrine organ situated in the brain, governs neural functions and serves as a potent source of hormonal regulation. Near the hypothalamus...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

Published on: June 2, 2014

Headache endocrinological aspects.

Mario Fernando Prieto Peres¹, Marcelo Moraes Valença

¹Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil. marioperes@yahoo.com

Handbook of Clinical Neurology

|September 7, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Hormones and neurotransmitters significantly influence primary headaches, with melatonin showing therapeutic potential. Understanding these neurobiological links aids in developing new headache treatments.

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Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache

Published on: July 29, 2021

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Last Updated: Jun 9, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

Published on: June 2, 2014

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache

Published on: July 29, 2021

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Endocrinology
Pain Research

Background:

Primary headaches involve complex neurobiological mechanisms.
Hormonal fluctuations and circadian rhythms are implicated in headache pathophysiology.
Neuroimaging and animal models are advancing our understanding of headache disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the role of hormones, neurohormones, and neurotransmitters in primary headache pain modulation.
To discuss the influence of stress and hormones on headache neurobiology.
To explore the potential therapeutic applications of melatonin in headache treatment.

Main Methods:

Review of current scientific literature on headache neurobiology.
Analysis of neuroimaging findings and animal models of headache.
Examination of the role of the pineal gland and melatonin in headache disorders.

Main Results:

Hormones, neurohormones, and neurotransmitters are key modulators of primary headache pain.
Hypothalamic-brainstem activation and hormonal influences are linked to headache symptoms.
Melatonin, influenced by circadian cycles, plays a significant role in migraine and other headache disorders.

Conclusions:

Primary headaches are strongly influenced by physiological hormonal fluctuations.
Differential activation of nociceptive and non-nociceptive pathways modulates pain perception.
Melatonin presents a potential therapeutic target for various headache syndromes.