When Does the Endocrine System Work?

Your endocrine system continuously monitors the amount of hormones in your blood. Hormones deliver their messages by locking into the cells they target so they can relay the message. The pituitary gland senses when your hormone levels rise, and tells other glands to stop producing and releasing hormones.

What triggers the endocrine system?

The endocrine system is controlled by a pea-sized organ called the hypothalamus, which acts as a bridge between the nervous system and the pituitary gland. When the hypothalamus receives a signal from the nervous system, it releases hormones that tell the pituitary gland what hormones to produce and/or release.

Does the endocrine system act quickly?

Responses to nervous system stimulation are typically quick but short lived. The endocrine system responds to stimulation by secreting hormones into the circulatory system that travel to the target tissue. Responses to endocrine system stimulation are typically slow but long lasting.