Question

Name six endocrine glands in the human body. Also name the hormones secreted by each one

Answer 1

The endocrine system is one of two systems that control and coordinate many functions to keep our bodies working in balance, called homeostasis. There are 9 major glands found in the body:-

• Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is located in the brain and links the nervous and endocrine systems to each other. It secretes hormones that put the pituitary gland into action.

• Pineal Gland

The pineal gland is a small, pine-cone shaped endocrine gland in the brain. It produces melatonin, a derivative of serotonin, a hormone that affects wake/sleep patterns and seasonal functions.

• Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is an endocrine gland about the size of a pea. The pituitary gland releases at least 9 hormones that have important effects on the body—these include the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulates the adrenal glands.

• Thyroid

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands. produces thyroid hormones, the principal ones being triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine which can sometimes be called tetraiodothyronine (T4) and calcitonin.

• Parathyroid Gland

The parathyroid gland controls calcium levels in the blood. They produce the parathyroid hormone or PTH, which increases the rate at which broke a bone is broken down.

• Thymus

The thymus is a specialized organ of the immune system. The thymus “educates” T-lymphocytes (T cells), which are critical cells of the adaptive immune system.

• Adrenal Glands

The small, triangular adrenal glands (also known as suprarenal glands) sit atop the kidneys. They are mainly responsible for releasing hormones in response to stress through the synthesis of corticosteroids such as cortisol and catecholamines such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine.

• Adrenal cortex

The inner and middle zones together secrete hormones hydrocortisone, also called cortisol, corticosterone, as well as small amounts of androgen hormones.

• Adrenal medulla

The adrenal medulla is closely related to nervous tissue and secretes the hormone epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to stimulation by sympathetic nerves.

• Pancreas

The pancreas is a gland organ in the digestive system and endocrine system. It is both an endocrine gland—producing several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide.

Ovaries and Testes

Our ovaries produce estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, and inhibin. The primary functions of the tests are to produce inhibin, sperm (spermatogenesis) and androgens, primarily testosterone.