Hormones and the endocrine system

The endocrine system is the collection of glands that produce hormones and secrete them into the bloodstream to create a systemic or targeted effect at specific tissues that regulate metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, mood, tissue function,  and just about any function you can imagine in the human body.

The Brain and the Neuroendocrine connection.

Together the neurotransmitters and hormones (Neuroendocrine) team up to regulate all the bodily functions. This regulation is controlled via the  hypothalamus (within the brain), which communicates through the pituitary (master gland) with the rest of the endocrine glands and digestive system. HPA axis HPG axis HPT axis Gut Brain Axis

Hypothalamic Pituitary Axis

All hormonal regulation and therefore the body's ultimate functioning is dependent upon this communication from above referred to as the HPAxis - the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. From there the communication with the other hormonal glands and divisions of the nervous system give rise to the many axis that are listed below.

HPA axis - This axis is very frequently discussed and has been studied for a long time (especially in animal models). The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis is a very complex communication and  feedback interactions among three endocrine glands