The term "glandular system" refers to the organs and tissues in the body responsible for producing and secreting hormones. The spelling of this term can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈɡlændjʊlər ˈsɪstəm/. The first part of the term, "glandular," is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable (/ˈɡlændjʊlər/). The second part, "system," is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable (/ˈsɪstəm/). "Glandular system" is a key component of the body's endocrine system, which helps regulate various bodily functions.
The glandular system, also known as the endocrine system, is an intricate network of glands that collectively produce, secrete, and regulate hormone levels in the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by controlling various bodily functions and influencing growth, metabolism, mood, and reproduction.
The primary components of the glandular system are the endocrine glands, which include the pineal gland, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries (in females), and testes (in males). These glands produce hormones that are secreted into the bloodstream, where they travel to specific target cells or organs to elicit various physiological responses.
Each gland within the glandular system produces a specific hormone or set of hormones, which are responsible for regulating different bodily processes. For instance, the thyroid gland produces hormones essential for metabolism regulation, while the pituitary gland controls the functioning of other glands and produces growth hormones.
The glandular system works through a complex feedback mechanism, wherein hormone levels are monitored and adjusted to maintain a state of equilibrium. If hormone levels become imbalanced due to issues such as gland dysfunction, diseases, or external factors, it can lead to various health problems ranging from hormonal imbalances to metabolic disorders.
In summary, the glandular system functions as a vital communication network in the body, coordinating and regulating numerous physiological processes through the production, secretion, and control of hormones.
All the glands of the body collectively.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "glandular" originates from the Latin word "glandula", which means "a little acorn" or "a small rounded object". It is derived from the Latin word "glans", meaning "acorn" or "seed". This term was used to describe the shape and appearance of certain organs in the body that secrete substances.
The word "system" has a different etymology. It comes from the Late Latin word "systema", which means a "whole compounded of several parts". This, in turn, is derived from the Greek word "sustēma", meaning "organized whole" or "body". The Greek word again originates from "syn-" (together) and "histanai" (to place or stand), implying the idea of parts standing together or working together in an organized manner.