The hypothalamus, parathyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, thyroid gland, reproductive organs, and the pineal body are the major glands found in the Endocrine System.
Below is an illustration of the glands found in this body system:
(http://images.emedicinehealth.com/images/illustrations/endocrine_system.jpg)
As you can see the pancreas is also found in this body system; it plays a role in the hormone production and digestion of our body.
Hypothalamus
The Hypothalamus is the part of the brain that plays a major role in the body temperature, satiety, and metabolism regulation. Its location is in the lower central part of the brain.
Hormones that are secreted by the hypothalamus stimulates and/or suppresses the hormones released by the pituitary gland.
Pituitary Gland
The Pituitary Gland is sometimes considered as the most important part of the Endocrine System because most of the hormones produced in this gland control numerous functions of other endocrine glands. It is divided into two parts, namely, the anterior and posterior lobe.
The anterior lobe is responsible for the production of the Growth hormone, Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, and the Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
The posterior lobe is responsible for the production of Oxytocin and the Antidiuretic hormone (Vasopressin). The secreted hormones of the posterior lobe are produced in the brain and transported to the pituitary gland via the nerves. The pituitary gland serves as a storage room for these hormones.
Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is found in the lower front part of the neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones that serves as a metabolism regulator. The release of these thyroid hormones is controlled by the pituitary gland. These hormones aid in maintaining normal heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, reproductive functions, and muscle tone.
Parathyroid Gland
The parathyroid gland are pairs of miniature glands placed in the surface of the thyroid gland, each side has one pair placed on the gland. Parathyroid glands release the parathyroid hormone, which plays an important role in calcium level regulation in the blood and bone metabolism.
Adrenal Gland
The adrenal gland are triangular in shape and are located on top of each kidney. It is divided into two parts, the adrenal cortex (outer part) and the adrenal medulla (inner part). The adrenal cortex produces corticosteroids that serves as a regulator of the body's metabolism, immune system and sexual function. The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines that aid the body in dealing with stress by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
Pineal Body
The pineal body secretes melatonin that regulates the wake-sleep cycle of the body. Its location is in the middle of the brain.
Reproductive Glands
The reproductive glands are the only source of sex hormones. In males, the testes which are located in the scrotum secretes androgens; testosterone being the most important. These hormones contribute in many male characteristics and in the production of sperms. In females, the ovaries which are located on the sides of the uterus produce progesterone and estrogen. These hormones control the growth of female characteristics and are also involved in menstruation and pregnancy.
Pancreas
The pancreas is divided into two parts, the exocrine pancreas and the endocrine pancreas. The exocrine pancreas is responsible for the secretion of digestive enzymes, while, the endocrine pancreas is responsible for the secretion of insulin and glucagon which regulates the glucose level in the blood.
References:
- http://www.emedicinehealth.com/anatomy_of_the_endocrine_system/article_em.htm#Endocrine System Introduction
- http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body_basics/endocrine.html
- http://artoftransliness.tumblr.com/post/14326808465/the-endocrine-system-and-testosterone-an-introduction
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocrinology
