The Human

Endocrine System
The endocrine system, through the different glands, secrete
hormones that control the growth and development of the
body. Hormones travel throughout the body through the
bloodstream, and they are directed toward a specific part of the
body, which is called the target organ of the hormone. It also
regulates some reproductive functions. Here are the different
glands present in the endocrine system, which includes the
hormones secreted and their effects on the body. The pituitary
gland is a gland located in the brain. It is often called the master
gland because it controls the functions of other endocrine
glands. The pituitary gland secretes several hormones that affect
a specific part of the body. Here is the list of the hormones
secreted by the pituitary gland and their effects in the body
Human growth hormone (HGH) – promotes the release of
insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), which are responsible for
the production of proteins in the body; maintains muscle and
bone mass for growth; also helps in healing injuries and
repair of tissues
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) – helps in producing and
secreting the thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) – it targets the ovaries by
initiating the development of the follicles in the ovary, which
happens monthly
Luteinizing hormone (LH) – initiates ovulation; also controls
the secretion of progesterone (female sex hormone)
Prolactin – affects the mammary glands by initiating and
maintaining the production of milk especially during pregnancy
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) – responsible for the
production and secretion of glucocorticoids, the hormones
released by the adrenal gland
Oxytocin – activated during and after giving birth; targets the
uterus to cause it to contract during giving birth; also controls
milk secretion in the breasts after giving birth
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) – causes the kidneys to decrease
urine production, which helps in conserving more body water;
also known as vasopressin
The hypothalamus is the gland that is also located in the brain. It controls the
function of the pituitary gland. The hormones secreted by the hypothalamus
affect the release of some hormones released by the pituitary gland.
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) –controls the secretion of the TSH
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) – stimulates the production of FSH
and LH
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) – initiates the secretion of the ACTH
The thyroid gland is located below the larynx (or the voice box). It is described
as a butterfly-shaped gland that is composed of the right and the left lobes. It
secretes the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
These hormones are also called thyroid hormones, which are responsible for
protein synthesis; regulation of oxygen use, metabolism, and growth; and the
development of the body. Calcitonin is another hormone secreted by the
thyroid gland, which is responsible for maintaining the calcium level in the
body
The parathyroid glands can be found in the posterior surface of the thyroid
gland. The parathyroid hormone is the hormone secreted by the
parathyroid glands. It is the major regulator of the calcium, magnesium,
and phosphate levels in the blood.
The pancreas is located in the duodenum of the small intestine. It secretes
the hormones insulin and glucagon, which are responsible in regulating the
blood sugar level.
Insulin – helps in lowering the amount of glucose in the blood when it is
too high
Glucagon – helps in increasing the level of glucose in the blood when it is
too low. When the body has a high amount of glucose in the blood, the
pancreas will secrete insulin to lower the glucose by converting it into
glycogen, which will be stored in the liver. Once the body’s blood glucose
level becomes low, the pancreas will then release glucagon and break
down the glycogen in the liver to create the glucose needed by the body
The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. Each adrenal gland is
divided into the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla.
The adrenal cortex secretes the following hormones:
Mineralocorticoids –maintain the balance of minerals in the body such as
sodium and potassium
Glucocorticoids –break down proteins and triglycerides needed by the body;
help in the formation of glucose; have anti-inflammatory effects; cause
suppression of immune responses
Androgens –secreted by both males and females, but it is an important
hormone especially for females because these are converted into estrogen
Adrenal medulla –secretes epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine
(noradrenaline), which are released during strenuous activities, such as
exercise. These hormones control the heart rate, blood pressure, blood level,
and breathing rate.
The endocrine glands secrete
hormones through the
bloodstream, whereas the
Exocrine glands secrete chemical
substances through the ducts or
pathways. Examples Of exocrine
glands are sweat glands and
salivary glands.
The gonads produce sex cells or gametes. These gonads are
the ovaries for females and the testes for the males.
The ovaries are located in the pelvic cavity. They secrete the
hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is
responsible for the female secondary sex characteristics and
maintaining the female body shape. Progesterone, with the
help from other hormones, helps in pregnancy, lactation,
and menstrual cycle.
The testes can be found in the scrotum, and they release the
hormone testosterone, which helps in the production of
sperm and the development of male secondary sex
characteristics
Other glands include the pineal gland, which
is located also in the brain and secretes
melatonin that regulates the sleep cycle;
and the thymus, which secretes thymosine
that acts as an antibody.
 Similarities between the
Nervous System and the
Endocrine System
Most of the systems in the body work together to perform
their specific functions and maintain the balance in the
body.