Endocrine Glands Parts and Functions

An complex system of glands and organs makes up the Endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of the following parts:

Hypothalamus

The lower central region of the brain contains the hypothalamus. The metabolism, body temperature, and feelings of fullness are all controlled by this area of the brain. The various hormones released by hypothalamus are discussed further.

Pituitary Gland

This endocrine glamd is smaller than a pea. The pituitary gland is situated underneath the hypothalamus at the base of the brain. The anterior lobe and the posterior lobe are the two sections of the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus controls the production of the following hormones by the anterior lobe:

• Growth hormone: Stimulates bone and tissue growth. Additionally, it affects emotional health.
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Stimulates the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid Gland.
• Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the production of a number of related steroid hormones by the adrenal gland.
• Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Estrogen and progesterone in women and testosterone in men are the steroid hormones that regulate sexual activity and production.
• Prolactin: Hormone that increases milk production in females.

Thyroid Gland

In the front lower area of the neck, there is a thyroid gland. The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormones, which control the body’s metabolism. The release of thyroid hormones is regulated by the pituitary gland. Additionally, thyroid hormones support healthy digestion, muscular tone, blood pressure, heart rate, and reproductive processes.

Parathyroid Glands

The parathyroid Glands are two pairs of tiny glands, one pair on each side, implanted in the thyroid gland’s surface. They discharge parathyroid hormone, which affects the blood calcium levels and bone metabolism.

Adrenal Glands

On top of each kidney are two triangular-shaped Glands known as the adrenals. There are two components to the adrenal Glands. The inner portion is known as the adrenal medulla, and the outside portion is known as the adrenal cortex. The body’s outer layer creates corticosteroid hormones, which control the body’s metabolism, water and salt balance, immune system, and sexual function.

Pineal Glands

It is present in the centre of the brain, beneath the corpus callosum. Melatonin, a hormone it generates, helps the body in recognising when it is time to sleep.

Pancreas

Behind the stomach, across the rear of the belly, is where the pancreas is situated. The pancreas secretes hormones like glucagon and insulin that control blood sugar levels.

Ovary

The ovaries of a woman are situated below the opening of the fallopian tubes on both sides of the uterus (tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovaries). The ovaries generate oestrogen and progesterone in addition to housing the egg cells required for reproduction.

Testis

The male reproductive system has two oval-shaped structures called testes.

Endocrine Glands are glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream that are directly transported to the targeted organ, unlike exocrine glands which secrete hormones through ducts. Examples of endocrine glands are the pancreas, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands. The endocrine gland’s functions include metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, stress response, and homeostasis maintenance. In this article, we will cover endocrine gland’s parts and functions along with the hormones secreted by them.