ESC - Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones Lesson
Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones
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Endocrine Glands of the Head and Neck
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Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland is a bean-sized organ suspended from the hypothalamus by a stem called the infundibulum. It consists of two lobes: anterior and posterior. The anterior and posterior pituitary lobes are each responsible for different hormones. The pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" because it controls the function of all other glands in the body. The actions of the pituitary are controlled by the hypothalamus of the brain.
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Learn about the hormones of the pituitary gland and their functions in the learning activity below.
Pineal Gland
The pineal gland is part of the diencephalon of the brain and is located between the cerebral hemispheres. It is responsible for secreting melatonin which helps maintain circadian rhythms (light and dark activity). During the evening, the light levels decline, stimulating an increase in melatonin production, which causes drowsiness.
Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ located anterior to the trachea and just inferior to the larynx. Thyroid hormones function to control metabolism in the body.
The parathyroid glands are tiny, round structures usually found embedded in the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. Most people have four, but some have more.
Learn about the hormones of the thyroid and parathyroid glands and their functions in the learning activity below.
Thymus Gland
The thymus gland is an organ of the immune system that is larger during infancy and early childhood and shrinks as we age. It functions to produce a group of hormones called thymosins which aid in the development of T lymphocytes in the immune system.
Endocrine Glands of the Digestive System
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Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are wedge-shaped glands adhering to the top of the kidneys by a fibrous capsule. Each adrenal gland is actually two endocrine organs located right above each kidney. The outer portion is called the adrenal cortex. The inner potion is called the adrenal medulla.
Learn about the hormones of the adrenal glands and their functions in the learning activity below.
Pancreas
The pancreas is a long, slender organ, most of which is located posterior to the bottom half of the stomach. Although it also functions as a digestive organ, its pancreatic islets (known as islets of Langerhans) secrete hormones. The pancreas helps the body to maintain healthy blood sugar (glucose) levels.
Learn about the hormones of the pancreas and its functions in the learning activity below.
Endocrine Glands of the Reproductive System
The gonads are the male testes and female ovaries. These organs are responsible for producing sex cells (sperm and ova) and secreting gonadal hormones called gonadotropins. Gonadotropins include any hormone that affects the gonads. During the initial stages of pregnancy, an organ called the placenta develops within the uterus that not only provides oxygen and nutrients for the fetus, but also secretes hormones. These organs and hormones will be discussed at length in the reproduction module. Learn about the hormones of the gonads and their functions in the table below.
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| Gonad | Hormone | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Testes | Testosterone | Stimulates the development of male secondary sex characteristics and sperm production. |
| Ovaries | Estrogens and Progesterone | Stimulate development of female secondary sex characteristics and prepare the body for childbirth. |
| Placenta | Human chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) | Promotes progesterone synthesis during pregnancy and inhibits immune response against fetus. |
Review
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