The function of the endocrine system

• The endocrine system works alongside the nervous system to regulate physiological processes in the body.
• The endocrine system consists of a network of glands which are groups of cells that are specialised to secrete chemical messengers called hormones.
• These hormones are secreted when the gland is stimulated, either by an electrical impulse or by a change in conc. Of a specific substance e.g blood sugar levels.
• Hormones Diffuse directly into the blood and then are transported around the body in the blood circulatory system to the target cells.


  They diffuse out of the blood and bind to a specifically shaped receptor on the cell surface membrane of the target cell. This then triggers a response from the target cells (effectors
• Hormones are much slower in their effect compared to the nervous system. This is because they are not secreted directly onto the target cells and so they have to travel their in the circulatory system.
• (+) However, the effects are much longer lasting as the hormones are not broken down as quickly as neurotransmitters