The Endocrine System 227 



often be produced experimentally, the hypofunctioning by actual re- 

 moval of the gland and the hyperfunctioning by administration of the 

 hormone. 



There are many glandular masses scattered throughout the body 

 which are probably endocrine in nature. About many of these there is 

 so little known that we shall confine our discussion to the large glands 

 whose functioning is clearer. Most of the description will be of the 

 endocrine glands of mammals ; however, it must be understood that 

 endocrine control is of equal importance in the life of all animals and 

 even in plants. 



PABATHYROIO 



AOnCNAL 



OVI»ftY. 



Fig. 72. — The endocrine system of man, showing the location 



of the glands. 



THE FUNCTION OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM 



Briefly, the function of the endocrine system can be summarized 

 by pointing out that it aids the nervous system in coordinating the 

 many diverse activities of the organism. 



