The Endocrine System: Regulating the Body's Chemistry

Next time you're stuck at a red light with nothing better to do, consider the fact that your endocrine system is, in many ways, very similar to that traffic signal that's currently irritating you. Your body is a bustling center of activity that has to somehow be coordinated and regulated, and without the delicate interaction of the endocrine system with the body's nervous system, you truly would be a bit of a wreck. This straightforward guide defines major terms, and discusses the various functions of the hormone-secreting hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid glands, which are essential to normal growth and development, reproduction and homeostasis (maintaining a balanced internal environment). Combining great graphics and clear explanations with useful analogies, this is a good choice for either health or science classrooms. Recommended. Aud: J, H. (E. Gieschen)