Question

How does endocrine gland help in maintaining homeostasis?

Answer 1

Hint: Homeostasis is maintenance of internal, physical and chemical steady state of the living system. For the optimum functioning of the living beings variables like body temperature, fluid balance need to set in certain limits. These limits are being maintained by the hormones secreted by our body. The hormones are regulated by the hypothalamus.

Complete answer:
The hormone is secreted by the endocrine glands or the ductless glands directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are target specific and only act on the target organs. The secretion of hormones is regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain which maintains our body temperature. The important endocrine glands for maintaining homeostasis are

1)Pituitary- It is called the master gland. It regulates the functioning of other endocrine glands. It secretes hormones that stimulate gonads, adrenal gland, growth hormones etc.
2)Adrenal gland- It is one of the important glands in our body. It secretes adrenaline which regulates stress, blood pressure, immune system and metabolism.
3)Thyroid gland- This gland is present in the neck. It secretes thyroxine which regulates the functioning of heart, brain, digestive system, muscle development.
4)Pancreas- It produces glucagon and insulin which keep up the sugar balance in our body.
Gonads-The testis and ovary are called the gonads. It secretes sex hormones which regulate the proper functioning of the reproductive system.

Thus all the above endocrine glands work in coordination to maintain the steady state or homeostasis of our body.

Note: Human body maintains an internal steady state despite the changes in the external environment. For example our body maintains a constant body temperature 98.6 degree Fahrenheit despite the heat or cold in the external environment.