Question

Give a brief account on endocrine glands.

Answer 1

Endocrine glands are those glands which secrete certain chemical substances, called hormones, into the bloodstream. Hormones once secreted, uses the blood circulation to reach the target site which might be away from the secreted gland. Endocrine glands help in controlling growth and development, metabolism, homeostasis, reproduction and responses to stimuli.

The major endocrine glands include;

• Hypothalamus, that connects the endocrine system with the central nervous system and signals pituitary gland to regulate functions of itself or other endocrine glands.
• The pituitary gland is the master gland that regulates the secretions of other endocrine glands based on information from the brain. It also secretes other important hormones including growth hormone.
• The other major endocrine glands that secrete important hormones for specific functions include Pineal gland, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Thymus, Adrenal gland, Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans), Ovaries and Testes.