hormones

• Endocrine glands, organs and tissues secrete hormones (chemical substances), that are transported in the extracellular fluid to other parts of the body to help regulate cell function.
• Thyroid hormone increases the rates of most chemical reactions in all cells --> helps set the tempo for bodily activity
• Insulin controls glucose metabolism
• Adrenocortical hormones control sodium and potassium ions and protein metabolism
• Parathyroid hormone controls bone calcium and phosphate
• The hormone system regulates many metabolic functions, working together with the nervous system (controlling muscular and secretory activities) to control essentially all body organs