In many ways, the endocrine system can be viewed as a partner, or complement, to the nervous system. Whereas the nervous system uses nerve impulses that last milliseconds to control short term events in the body, the endocrine system uses hormones that can sometimes take minutes, hours, or even days to take effect and control events. And sometimes those effects can last a lifetime.
As an endocrine organ, the pancreas produces two sugar-regulating hormones: insulin and glucagon. After reviewing the functions of insulin and glucagon and the four cell types that comprise the endocrine pancreas, you can then examine in detail the main disease associated with the pancreas, diabetes mellitus.
Once you understand how important the endocrine system is in controlling every aspect of your life, from your moods to your sexuality to your energy levels to your ability to grow and be strong, you realize how important it is to keep it optimized. And yes, there are things you can do to keep it optimized.
Enjoy Jon Barron's health newsletter series covering the entire Endocrine System:
- The Endocrine System: Hypothalamus, Pituitary and Pineal Glands - Newsletter
- The Endocrine System: The Pancreas and Diabetes - Newsletter
- The Endocrine System: The Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands - Newsletter
- The Endocrine System: The Adrenal Glands - Newsletter
- The Endocrine System: Kristen's Thyroid Story - Newsletter
Related topics covering the Endocrine System:
- Pancreas and Digestion - Newsletter
- Testosterone For Women....and Men - Newsletter
- Progesterone Creme and Hormonal Balancing - Barron Report