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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...

Endocrine Signaling

Endocrine Signaling

Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.

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.

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...

Regulation of Hormone Secretion

Regulation of Hormone Secretion

Regulation of hormone secretion is a finely tuned orchestration driven by various types of stimuli, encompassing neural, humoral, and hormonal signals. Environmental cues instigate neural stimuli, where action potentials traverse nerve fibers to reach their designated targets. An illustrative scenario is the body's response to stress, wherein the sympathetic nervous system releases epinephrine from the adrenal glands, inducing the well-known 'fight or flight' reaction.
Humoral...

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Primary empty sella: a comprehensive review.

S Chiloiro¹, A Giampietro¹, A Bianchi¹

¹Pituitary Unit, Department of Endocrinology.

European Journal of Endocrinology

|August 7, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Primary empty sella (PES) involves pituitary gland changes due to herniated brain tissue. While often asymptomatic, PES syndrome can cause headaches, vision problems, and hormonal issues, requiring multidisciplinary care.

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Area of Science:

Neuroendocrinology
Neuroradiology

Background:

Primary empty sella (PES) is a condition where the subarachnoid space herniates into the sella, potentially flattening the pituitary gland.
Pathogenesis is unclear but linked to sellar diaphragm weakness and factors like intracranial hypertension or pituitary volume changes.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe the characteristics, clinical implications, and management of Primary Empty Sella (PES) syndrome.
To highlight the potential for endocrine, neurological, and ophthalmological symptoms associated with PES.

Main Methods:

Review of neuroradiological findings in Primary Empty Sella.
Analysis of clinical manifestations, including endocrine, neurological, and ophthalmological symptoms.
Discussion of associated conditions like intracranial hypertension.

Main Results:

PES is often an incidental neuroradiological finding, but can manifest as PES syndrome with symptoms like headache, irregular menses, obesity, and visual disturbances.
Common endocrine abnormalities include hyperprolactinemia and growth hormone deficiency.
Severe cases may present with papilledema, CSF rhinorrhea, and vision loss.

Conclusions:

PES syndrome requires a multidisciplinary approach involving endocrinology, neurology, and ophthalmology for accurate diagnosis and management.
Integrated care is essential for addressing the diverse clinical and hormonal abnormalities associated with PES syndrome.