Endocrine Glands
Thyroid Gland
A gland in the neck which controls metabolism. The Thyroid gland produces Thyroxine and Thymosine.
Parathyroid Gland
A gland that regulates calcium and is located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. The parathyroid gland secretes a hormone called parathormone that is critical to calcium metabolism. The Parathyroid Gland regulates the Calcium levels which regulate human growth in the body.
Thymus Gland
A lymphoid organ situated in the neck of vertebrates that produces T cells for the immune system. The human thymus becomes much smaller at the approach of puberty.
Hypothalamus
A neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward. The Hypothalamus produces Oxytocin.
Adrenal Gland
A pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones that help arouse the body in times of stress The Adrenal Glands produce Adrenaline and Cortisol. .
Pineal gland
A small structure of the brain which is an endocrine gland secreting melatonin. The Pineal Gland produces Melatonin, which helps humans sleep.
Pancreas
An organs in the abdominal cavity with two roles. The first is an exocrine role: to produce digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, which are delivered to the small intestine via the pancreatic duct. The second is an endocrine role: to secrete insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream to help regulate blood glucose levels. The Pancreas produces Insulin.
Ovaries
Glands that produce the egg cells and hormones for female humans. The Ovaries also produce Estrogen and Progesterone.
Testes
Male sex gland which produces Sperm and testosterone. The Testes produce Testosterone in men.
Pituitary Gland
The endocrine system's most influential gland. Under the influence of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands. The Pituitary Gland is also called the Master Gland.
