Final answer:
The endocrine system consists of various glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, which then regulate bodily functions by targeting specific cells with receptors for these hormones.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the endocrine system, glands secrete chemicals called hormones, which travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs all over the body and regulate body functions. The endocrine system is crucial for maintaining homeostasis by coordinating the regulation and integration of bodily responses. It includes glands such as the adrenal glands, which produce hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine that regulate stress responses, the thyroid gland, which produces thyroid hormones that affect metabolic rates, and others like the anterior pituitary, thymus, adrenal cortex, and gonads.
Not to be confused with exocrine glands, endocrine glands release their secretions directly into the interstitial fluid, from where the hormones diffuse into the bloodstream and are delivered to target cells. These target cells have receptors specifically designed to bind with the hormones, triggering various responses in the body. The endocrine system works in conjunction with the nervous system to control and regulate other organ systems, making it a pivotal part of physiological regulation.