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Endocrine system



           presents a summary of the components  functioning endocrine system, the body’s
           and functions of the endocrine system and  ability to adapt to internal and external
           disorders resulting from excess production  changes would be severely compromised,
           and deficiency.                            leading to various health conditions and
                                                      metabolic disorders.
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           Importance of endocrine system
           The endocrine system is essential for  Complications and disorders of the
           overall health and well-being, as it regulates  endocrine system
           various physiological processes necessary
           for survival. One of its key functions is    Task 3.4
           controlling metabolism, ensuring that cells   Search from library and internet sources
           receive the energy they need to function    on the causes, symptoms and effects of
           efficiently. Hormones such as insulin and   the common complications and disorders
           thyroxine play a critical role in maintaining   of the endocrine system in human.
           blood sugar levels and metabolic rates
           respectively, preventing disorders such as   The endocrine system is responsible
           diabetes and hypothyroidism. Additionally,   for regulating various body functions
           the endocrine system governs growth        through hormones. However, several
           and development through the release of     disorders can occur when the endocrine
           growth hormone (GH), which influences      glands malfunction. Below are common
           bone and muscle formation from infancy     complications and disorders of the
           to adulthood.                              endocrine system.


           Another crucial function of the endocrine
           system is maintaining homeostasis by       Hypothyroidism
           regulating water and electrolyte balance,   This occurs when the thyroid gland
           blood pressure, and immune responses.      produces insufficient thyroid hormones.
           The adrenal glands, for example, produce   This is caused by autoimmune diseases
           cortisol to manage stress and aldosterone   such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, iodine
           to control sodium and potassium levels.    deficiency, or damage to the thyroid gland.
           The  endocrine  system  plays  a  crucial   Common symptoms include fatigue, weight
           role in sexual development and fertility.   gain, sensitivity to cold, constipation,
           It affects reproduction by regulating the   dry skin, thinning hair, and depression.
           menstrual cycle, sperm production, and     Hypothyroidism can lead to heart problems
           pregnancy through hormones such as         including an increased risk of heart disease,
           oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.    and mental health issues like depression,
           The system ensures proper coordination     and infertility. Severe hypothyroidism can
           between different organ and systems,       lead to a life-threatening condition known
           enabling the body to adapt to internal     as myxoedema coma. The condition cannot
           and external changes. Without a properly   always be prevented, but ensuring adequate



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                                                                                          23/10/2025   11:52:41
     BIOLOGY FORM 3 FINAL EDITED 16.09.2025.indd   71 KAMISHNA                            23/10/2025   11:52:41
     BIOLOGY FORM 3 FINAL EDITED 16.09.2025.indd   71









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