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Okay, so we all know the story of the hulk. Bruce Banner was exposed to gamma radiation which mutated his DNA. Now ever time he gets angry, anxious or over excited, a metamorphosis takes place, turning him into a giant green monster.

Lets take a closer look at the transformation.

Watch the video bellow.

So how do we know that this is a response from your endocrine system and not Paracrine, Autocrine or nervous system?

Before we start you should understand the different communication systems in the body (click here)

We can see that the ‘hulk’ hormone travels through the circulatory system.

Most endocrine hormones are released from a gland and spread throughout the body (via diffusion) in the circulatory system.

In terms of time, we understand that nervous responses are incredible fast. Endocrine responses however take a little bit longer and last longer. Bruce Banner stays as the Hulk for a relatively long time.

Another major key is the range of effect in the body, the Paracrine system will only effect nearby cells, cells apart of the Autocrine system will only affect them selves.

The endocrine system however can targets cells throughout the entire body. Notice the transformation occurs on the whole body.

From the video above, its possible to conclude that a mutated endocrine gland within the brain could send out a ‘hulk’ hormone during times of extreme pressure. Creating a physiological change in cells throughout the body.

Click here to learn more on the endocrine system

The endocrine system

1. Releases hormones in to the circulatory system
2. It is composed of specialised glands which secret specific hormones
3. Hormones affect specific target organs, glands or muscles
4. Hormones take time to act and are long lasting