Endocrine and Reproductive Systems, Essay Example

Endocrine System

The endocrine system most basically includes a number of hormones and glands within the body.  As a system of glands, the endocrine system is defined by these glands, which secretes hormones into the body to regulate it, as an information signal system.  The hormones are the body’s chemical messengers that transfer information from one set of cells to the other.  Glands are a group of cells that produces and secretes chemicals.

The endocrine system works with many other systems and parts of the body.  Inclusive to the reproductive system, the endocrine system works with the nervous system, gut, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and fat.  The growth and development, energy levels, homeostasis, and responses and monitored in cooperation with these systems and parts of the body.

Produced for use inside the body are hormones that are made by endocrine glands.  Similar to factories, they produce and store hormones in order to release them as needed.  When this occurs, the hormones are carried within the bloodstream to targets, such as organs, cells, or tissues (Scanlon 224)

Normal functioning of the endocrine system is important.  For this to occur the body needs properly working glands, functioning within the blood supply to move hormones to their target points, receptor locations on target cells for the hormones, and a system in which the production and use of hormones in place.  All of these factors for control within the endocrine system is vital for proper functioning.

A number of things can go wrong in the endocrine system.  For instance, a hormone imbalance may take place when the wrong amounts of hormones are released within certain areas of the body.  An endocrinologist is able to identify such problems.

Reproductive System

The reproductive system involves a number of organs that work together to reproduce new life.  There are a number of differences between the two systems within the genders, which will be addressed.  Genetic material allows for a greater genetic fitness of the offspring in the reproductive system.

The female reproductive system is made up of the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.  The fallopian tubes carry the egg from the ovary to the womb.  While the ovaries contain eggs, they are also responsible for the creation of sex hormones.  These components make up the primary aspects of the female reproductive system.

The menstrual cycle of the female reproductive system is also relevant.  The menstrual cycle is controlled by the pituitary gland, which secretes hormones also found in the ovaries.  The average menstrual cycle is 28 days (Scanlon 456).  The process can result in a fertilized or an unfertilized egg.

The male reproductive system is made up of the penis, testicles, epididymis, the vas deferens, and the prostate glands.  Sperm and sex hormones and produced by the testicles.  Sperm is collected and stored by the epididymis, which is released by the penis by way of other parts of the male reproductive system.

The sperm contains genetic material and represents the male reproductive cell.  It moves towards an egg with its tail.  Testosterone promotes the maturation of sperm (Scanlon 243).

There are a number of types of problems that can occur within the female and male reproductive systems.  Females may experience endometriosis, fibroids, painful periods, and premenstrual tension.  Males may experience impotence or prostrate problems.  Both genders can experience infertility and sexually transmitted diseases.

Interrelated Nature of Both Systems

The pituitary gland of the endocrine system is an important point to mention when comparing the relationship of the endocrine system to the reproductive system.  The pituitary hormones help control blood pressure, growth, thyroid gland function, conversion of food, and temperature and water regulation, among others.  Moreover, it controls and regulates the activities of all other endocrine glands.

In the anterior lobe, we find two hormones that stimulate production of all other sex hormones during adolescence.   The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) control the development, growth, and functions of the gonads.  The gonads are otherwise known as the ovaries and testicles.

In females, FSH simulates cells in the ovaries to produce estrogen, a female sex hormone which stimulates the development of the ova.  LH is responsible for ovulation and stimulates ovarian cells to produce progesterone.  In females who have given birth, the hormone prolactin stimulates milk production.

These two hormones also play parts in the male reproductive system.  LH stimulates cells in the testes to produce the male hormone testosterone.  The production of sperm is controlled by FSH.

The endocrine system plays major roles in relationship to the reproductive system.  The pituitary gland is an important component, regulating certain hormones such as testosterone, oxytocin, progesterone, estrogen, and more, through the use of FSH and LG.  It importantly makes sure that the reproductive system is working properly, in the regulation of the reproductive system.  The endocrine system certainly plays an important role in that of the reproductive system, which is not limited to this short overview.

Works Cited

Scanlon, Valerie and Tina Sanders. Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology. Philadelphia, F. A. Davis Company, 2007. Print.