Parts Of The Endocrine System

An informative article on: Parts Of The Endocrine System.

The endocrine system is made up of glands and organs that secrete hormones which regulate the function of cells throughout the entire body. There are primary glands that produce hormones necessary to life, while there are secondary glands and organs that secrete hormones which are necessary to functions, but those functions are not crucial to life.

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a small portion of the brain which is located at the base, just above the stem. Its most important function is to link the endocrine system with the nervous system. This is accomplished by secreting hormones that trigger a response in the pituitary gland, which then secretes hormones that elicit a response from the nervous system.

Pituitary

This tiny gland that is no bigger than the size of a pea is located just directly below the hypothalamus at the base of the brain. The primary purpose of the pituitary gland is to secrete hormones that regulate homeostasis in the body. It is often referred to as the ‘master gland’ in that it links the hypothalamus to the nervous system, while secreting a great number of hormones necessary to life.

Pineal

The pineal gland is another tiny gland that is located in the brain; however, unlike the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands at the base of the brain, the pineal is located between the two hemispheres. It produces and secretes melatonin which controls circadian rhythms and seasonal changes. It is said that melatonin is linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

Thyroid

In humans, the thyroid is one of the largest of glands in the endocrine system. It controls how the body utilizes energy, manufactures proteins and also plays a role in the body’s sensitivity to other hormones. Two common disorders are hyperthyroidism (where too many hormones are secreted) and hypothyroidism (where too few are manufactured and secreted). Various diseases and illnesses like Grave’s Disease, Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease.

Parathyroid

Parathyroid glands are located in the neck and, although rare, sometimes in the chest. They control the amount of blood and calcium in bones. Disorders of the parathyroids can be broken down into those that cause hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The main threat is serious calcium imbalances which can lead to a number of serious conditions, among which is osteoporosis.

Adrenal

The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys and their main function is to release hormones that are directly related to stress, both physical and emotional. There is an inner portion, the adrenal medulla and the outer portion, which is called the adrenal cortex. The adrenal medulla produces norepinephrine while the cortex secretes epinephrine.

Pancreas

The pancreas is an organ/gland located within the digestive system that is actually functions both as an endocrine, as well as an exocrine gland. As an endocrine gland it secretes insulin, glucagon and Somatostatin while as an exocrine gland it releases pancreatic juices that contain the digestive enzymes necessary in the digestive process.

Gonads

The gonads are the primary sex organs in the body. Ovaries in the female secrete estrogen and progesterone while the testes produce and secrete testosterone. The most important function is in relation to the reproductive system, which is quite interesting in that they start out in common and only differentiate into in the development of they zygote.

Placenta

Although we tend to think of the placenta as being the lining for the womb in which the fetus resides during pregnancy, it is also a part of the endocrine system in that hormones are released necessary to the health of both the mother and the child. Also, hormones are released that enable the fetus to be carried to term.