The Endocrine System The purpose of the endocrine system is to secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

Glands are endocrine organs that perform the function of secretion. Endocrine glands and exocrine glands are different. Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream. Those are also known as ductless glands. Exocrine glands release hormones or secretions into other organs. Endocrine glands include: (2) adrenal, (2) ovaries (female), (4) parathyroid, pancreas (islets of Langerhans), pituitary, (2) testes (male), thymus, and the thyroid gland. Adrenal glands are found on top of the kidneys. The prefix ad- means toward and renal refers to the kidneys. The cortex is outer part of the adrenal cortex. Corticosteriods are the hormones that are maintained by the adrenal cortex. Minerals like sodium and potassium are regulated by the mineralocorticoid hormone and aldosterone. Carbs are regulated by the glucocorticoid hormone (cortisol). Steroid sex hormones are also secreted by the adrenal cortex. Those hormones include estrogen, androgen, and progesterone. The medulla secretes epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration levels are increased in times of emergency. Ovaries are the female gonads that produce estrogen and progesterone. Those are female sex hormones. Progesterone helps keep a regulated uterine environment for the fetus during pregnancy. Estrogen controls the menstrual cycle. They also help with sexual characteristics. The parathyroid glands are found on the back side of the thyroid. They regulate calcium levels. Sometimes calcium levels fall too low. If this occurs, bone breakdown will happen. More calcium will be released into the blood. The pancreas is found behind the stomach. It functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland. Endocrine sections produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls the levels of sugar in the blood. Exocrine glands release enzymes into the small intestines through the ducts. Behind the optic nerve is the pituitary gland. Other endocrine glands are regulated by the pituitary, giving it the nickname the master gland. Two sections divide the pituitary: anterior and posterior. The anterior portion of the pituitary gland secrets the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and the growth hormone (GH). GH stimulates growth cells to grow and divide. TSH controls the thyroid. The adrenal cortex is regulated by ACTH. Milk production comes after birth became of prolactin. FSH and LH are part of the male and female gonads. MSH tells melanocytes to produce melanin. The posterior only secretes ADH and oxytocin. ADH controls water reabsorption. Oxytocin controls uterine contractions. Testes are male gonads. They produce sperm (male sex cells). It also produces testosterone. Testosterone is the sex hormone of males. Last, it regulates production of the sperm. The thymus is found above the heart (mediastinal cavity). It secretes thymosin. The thymus main function is immune system development. T cells are necessary for the immune system. T cells stand for thymic lymphoid cells. You can find the thyroid between the trachea and larynx. Thyroxine is produced by the thyroid. It is also known as the T4 hormone. T3 hormone or triiodothyronine is also produced by the thyroid. Metabolism is maintained by the thyroid. Another hormone secreted is calcitonin.