Video Transcript
The endocrine system helps maintain a constant internal environment in the human
body. Which of the following best describes the effect of the endocrine system? (A) Rapid and short-lived, (B) slow and long-lasting, (C) slow and short-lived, (D)
rapid and long-lasting.
To answer this question, we need to review the function of the endocrine system to
recall the response time and the length of its effect to maintain a constant
internal environment in the human body. The endocrine system is a communication system that consists of a series of glands
that produce and secrete hormones to maintain homeostasis.
In humans, the series of glands that composes the endocrine system includes the
pineal gland, the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, the thymus,
the adrenal glands, the pancreas, the ovaries in females, and the testes in
males. These endocrine glands secrete hormones which are the chemical messengers that
coordinate and regulate different responses.
To exert their effect, hormones must travel around the organism’s body through the
bloodstream to their target organs. Since hormones are secreted into the bloodstream, they’re able to act on target
organs or cells located anywhere in the body. However, this type of communication can be slow since the hormones need to be
secreted and then travel to their target organs. As a result, the response of the endocrine system is slow, but the effect is
long-lasting.
With this information, we can reevaluate our answer choices. The answers choices show a mix of slow or rapid responses as well as short-lived or
long-lasting effects. So the correct answer choice is the one that relates hormones are slow in response
and long-lasting in effect. So the answer choice that best describes the effect of the endocrine system is slow
and long-lasting.
