The Endocrine System
The endocrine system consists of many small organs responsible for the release of hormones. The endocrine system regulates metabolism, growth and development, tissue function and mood. The Endocrine System Web Guide provides resources for teaching the system and study materials for students.
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Expand All Guide SectionsEndocrine System Basics
Learn about the function of the endocrine system and find diagrams of the endocrine system online. Endocrine system basics are easy to find at the sites below, written in language you don’t have to be a doctor to understand.
Insights for Endocrine System Basics
- The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is an apt one for this topic. Many sites allow you to zoom in to view very detailed images of particular organs. Often getting a good look at the parts of an organ and their names is as informative as reading pages of text.
- If you’ve found a site you like and you’re looking to get additional information—perhaps for a term paper or other research—check for a “contact us” link or for the e-mail address of the author (usually located at the bottom of the page). Most authors of these types of Web sites will happily answer your inquiries.
Top Sites for Endocrine System Basics
The Hormone Foundation
provides an overview of the endocrine system with specific sections on diseases, glands, hormones, organs and function of the endocrine system.
The Biology Web
is, save for a couple of color diagrams, a no-frills Web site. Nevertheless, it clearly and succinctly covers all parts of the endocrine system. What distinguishes this site from others is that it touches on some of the basic biochemistry associated with the endocrine system.
IPweb (Interactive Physiology)
provides an interactive primer on the endocrine system, probably the most fun way to learn the information online. Click on a topic and a narrator talks you through as the text, along with excellent animated graphics, appear on the screen. Pause the animation at any time to click on highlighted keywords for definitions.
Endocrine System for Kids
Maybe you’re a parent looking for a way to explain to your child why his or her body is ... read more »
Functions of the Endocrine System
The pituitary gland of the endocrine system is often considered the master gland of the body, and ... read more »
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