ENDOCRINE GLANDS, HORMONES AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
Glands are very important for our body to work systematically. Glands are organs which produce some chemical substances for bodily functions.
These secreted chemical substances are carried to a type of cell and directly released into blood. These ‘messengers’ are called hormones. The act of releasing and carrying to the particular cell keeps the body functioning and in balance.
Pituitary GlandThis gland is often referred to as the "master gland", because it influences other organs in the body. It has a pea-sized structure located in the base of the brain. It is a part of endocrine system and divided into three sections: anterior, intermediate and posterior lobe, which produces hormones. It takes care of overall well-being of a person.
HypothalamusIt is also a part of endocrine system and located in the middle of the base of the brain. It is responsible for controlling the immense number of emotions and behavior, including sexual behavior. It also controls the critical metabolic activity that helps us to have healthy fluid and food levels.
ThymusThe Thymus gland is a pyramid-shaped organ and exactly located beneath the breastbone. This lymphoid gland is responsible for a healthy immune system. The hormones which are released by Thymus gland protect the body from itself by controlling cancerous cells. The gland grows rapidly until the age of puberty, and slowly shrinks.
Pineal Gland It is also called as pineal body, epiphysis cerebri, epiphysis (third eye) located at the center of the brain. It is a reddish-gray 1/3 inch long pea-sized organ responsible for wake/sleep patterns, thirst, hunger and regulates reproductive hormones.
According to scientists, pineal gland was once known as the “third eye”. As it is located in the geometric centre of the brain, it seems to have intimate hidden importance. In today’s world, it is associated with the sixth chakra.
Testes It is found in men and mainly responsible for sperm and testosterone production. The testes are the female counterparts which plays a vital role in the development of male physical characteristics. Low testosterone levels decrease sexual anxiety, sperm count, loss of body hair, diminishes muscle mass, early aging.
OvariesIt is found in women and mainly responsible for reproductive system. Ovary gland secrets sex hormones estrogen and progesterone hormones which regulate menstrual periods and control the development of sex organs. The gland has its role in endocrine system, besides reproductive system.
ThyroidThyroid is the most common term we hear these days. This brownish-red gland is in butterfly shape and located below the Adam’s apple. This gland needs the help of pituitary gland to produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). If TSH is not in the right level, person will gain uncontrollable weight.
Adrenal GlandsAdrenal glands are also called as suprarenal glands. They are two, triangular-shaped organs that measure about 1.5 inches in height and 3 inches in length located at the top of each kidney. The glands are divided into two parts: adrenal cortex and medulla which are responsible for controlling blood sugar burn protein and fat, react to stressors and regulate blood pressure in the body.
Parathyroid gland Our body has four rice-grain sized parathyroid glands located just behind the thyroid gland. The gland has a single responsibility, to keep the blood level of calcium in control. But they are also essential for nervous and muscular systems functioning.
When the hormone released is too much or too little, disorders like Hyperparathyroidism, Hyperparathyroidism and osteoporosis may occur.
PancreasIt is a six inch long which is located between stomach and spine and surrounded by small intestine, liver and spleen. The hormones which are released by this gland are important for sugar and salt balances in our bodies. It is very important to keep the hormones in balance, because they are directly related to today’s most common diseases.
The following table provides you the details of the Glands of the Human Body, hormones secreted and their functions:
Glands are very important for our body to work systematically. Glands are organs which produce some chemical substances for bodily functions.
These secreted chemical substances are carried to a type of cell and directly released into blood. These ‘messengers’ are called hormones. The act of releasing and carrying to the particular cell keeps the body functioning and in balance. Pituitary GlandThis gland is often referred to as the "master gland", because it influences other organs in the body. It has a pea-sized structure located in the base of the brain. It is a part of endocrine system and divided into three sections: anterior, intermediate and posterior lobe, which produces hormones. It takes care of overall well-being of a person.
HypothalamusIt is also a part of endocrine system and located in the middle of the base of the brain. It is responsible for controlling the immense number of emotions and behavior, including sexual behavior. It also controls the critical metabolic activity that helps us to have healthy fluid and food levels.
ThymusThe Thymus gland is a pyramid-shaped organ and exactly located beneath the breastbone. This lymphoid gland is responsible for a healthy immune system. The hormones which are released by Thymus gland protect the body from itself by controlling cancerous cells. The gland grows rapidly until the age of puberty, and slowly shrinks.
Pineal Gland It is also called as pineal body, epiphysis cerebri, epiphysis (third eye) located at the center of the brain. It is a reddish-gray 1/3 inch long pea-sized organ responsible for wake/sleep patterns, thirst, hunger and regulates reproductive hormones.
According to scientists, pineal gland was once known as the “third eye”. As it is located in the geometric centre of the brain, it seems to have intimate hidden importance. In today’s world, it is associated with the sixth chakra.
Testes It is found in men and mainly responsible for sperm and testosterone production. The testes are the female counterparts which plays a vital role in the development of male physical characteristics. Low testosterone levels decrease sexual anxiety, sperm count, loss of body hair, diminishes muscle mass, early aging.
OvariesIt is found in women and mainly responsible for reproductive system. Ovary gland secrets sex hormones estrogen and progesterone hormones which regulate menstrual periods and control the development of sex organs. The gland has its role in endocrine system, besides reproductive system.
ThyroidThyroid is the most common term we hear these days. This brownish-red gland is in butterfly shape and located below the Adam’s apple. This gland needs the help of pituitary gland to produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). If TSH is not in the right level, person will gain uncontrollable weight.
Adrenal GlandsAdrenal glands are also called as suprarenal glands. They are two, triangular-shaped organs that measure about 1.5 inches in height and 3 inches in length located at the top of each kidney. The glands are divided into two parts: adrenal cortex and medulla which are responsible for controlling blood sugar burn protein and fat, react to stressors and regulate blood pressure in the body.
Parathyroid gland Our body has four rice-grain sized parathyroid glands located just behind the thyroid gland. The gland has a single responsibility, to keep the blood level of calcium in control. But they are also essential for nervous and muscular systems functioning.
When the hormone released is too much or too little, disorders like Hyperparathyroidism, Hyperparathyroidism and osteoporosis may occur.
PancreasIt is a six inch long which is located between stomach and spine and surrounded by small intestine, liver and spleen. The hormones which are released by this gland are important for sugar and salt balances in our bodies. It is very important to keep the hormones in balance, because they are directly related to today’s most common diseases.
The following table provides you the details of the Glands of the Human Body, hormones secreted and their functions:
| Glands | Secreting Hormones | Functions |
| Growth hormone | Promotes growth in childhood, maintain healthy muscle and bone mass in adults | |
| Prolactin | Stimulates milk production in women | |
| Adrenocorticotropic | Reduces stress and maintain healthy blood pressure | |
| Thyroid-stimulating hormone | Regulates the body's thyroid | |
| Pituitary Gland | Luteinizing hormone | Regulates estrogen and testosterone |
| Follicle-stimulating hormone | Stimulates the releasing of eggs in women and helps ensure the normal function of sperm production in men | |
| Oxytocin | Facilitates contractions at the appropriate time in pregnant woman | |
| Antidiuretic hormone | Regulates water balance in the body | |
| Hypothalamus | Thyrotrophic - releasing hormone (TRH) | It stimulates the release of Thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin |
| Gonadotropin- releasing hormone (GRH) | It is responsible for the releasing of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) | |
| Growth hormone- releasing hormone (GHRH) | It stimulates both the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone. | |
| Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) | It stimulates both the synthesis and the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) | |
| Somatostatin | It inhibits the pituitary glands secretion of growth hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone | |
| Dopamine | Prolactin (PRL) | |
| Thymus | Thymosin | The hormone stimulates the growth of T cells, which keep us healthy by attacking virus-infected or cancerous cells |
| Pineal Gland | melatonin | Plays important role in the regulation of sleep cycles |
| Testes | Testosterone | This hormone is found in men. It promotes sexual characteristics and also important in the development of male productive tissues. |
| Ovaries | Estrogen and Progesterone | This hormone is found in women. It promotes the development of breasts, maintains healthy menstrual periods. |
| Thyroid | Thyroxine T4 | Both the hormones are responsible for regulation of metabolism. Iodine is necessary for the production of these hormones. |
| Tri-iodothyronine T3 | ||
| Adrenal Glands Outer adrenal cortex Inner medulla | Cortisol Aldosterone Androgens Adrenaline Noradrenaline | It regulates glucose, fat, and proteins and helps keep the body’s metabolism in check Regulates sodium and potassium balance, as well as blood pressure. Androgens cause some of the changes seen in puberty, such as growth of pubic and underarm hair, body odor, and acne. It helps to maintain blood pressure, increases heart rate It is responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations. |
| Parathyroid | Parathyroid hormone (PTH) | Helps in bone development because it helps control both calcium and phosphorous levels in the body. |
| Pancreas | Insulin and Glucagon | The main function of the pancreas is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. |
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