The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that produce, store, and
secrete hormones. These chemical messengers regulate essential bodily functions,
including metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, sleep cycles, and stress
responses.
The endocrine system is a system of ductless glands that produce and release
hormones directly into the blood. These hormones travel to target organs and regulate
many body functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress response, and
maintenance of homeostasis.
What is a Hormone?
A hormone is a chemical messenger produced by endocrine glands and released into the
bloodstream to affect specific target cells or organs.
Characteristics of Hormones
● Produced by endocrine glands
● Released directly into blood
● Act on specific target organs
● Effective in very small amounts
● Regulate body activities
Functions of Hormones
● Control growth and development
● Regulate metabolism
● Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
● Control reproduction
● Help the body respond to stress
● Maintain homeostasis
Difference Between Endocrine and
Exocrine Glands
Endocrine Glands Exocrine Glands
Ductless glands Have ducts
Release hormones into Release secretions through
blood ducts
Example: Thyroid gland Example: Salivary gland
Act on distant organs Act locally
Major Endocrine Glands
1. Hypothalamus
2. Pituitary gland
3. Pineal gland
4. Thyroid gland
5. Parathyroid glands
6. Thymus gland
7. Adrenal glands
8. Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans)
9. Ovaries
10.Testes
1. Hypothalamus
Definition
The hypothalamus is a part of the brain located below the thalamus.
Important Viva Question
Hypothalamus is what type of gland?
Answer:
The hypothalamus is a neuroendocrine gland because it has both nervous and endocrine
functions.
Functions
● Controls pituitary gland
● Maintains body temperature
● Controls hunger and thirst
● Regulates sleep and emotions
● Produces releasing and inhibiting hormones
Hormones Produced
Hormone Function
TRH Stimulates TSH release
CRH Stimulates ACTH release
GnRH Stimulates FSH and LH
release
GHRH Stimulates growth hormone
Somatostati Inhibits growth hormone
n
Dopamine Inhibits prolactin
Also Produces
● ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)
● Oxytocin
These are stored and released by the posterior pituitary.
2. Pituitary Gland
Definition
The pituitary gland is called the Master Gland because it controls many other endocrine
glands.
Location
Located at the base of the brain in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone.
Divisions
1. Anterior Pituitary (Adenohypophysis)
2. Posterior Pituitary (Neurohypophysis)
Anterior Pituitary Hormones
Hormone Function
Growth Hormone (GH) Growth of bones and muscles
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Stimulates thyroid gland
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Stimulates adrenal cortex
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Reproductive function
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Ovulation and testosterone
production
Prolactin Milk production
Posterior Pituitary Hormones
Hormone Function
ADH Water reabsorption in kidneys
Oxytocin Uterine contraction and milk ejection
3. Pineal Gland
Location
Located in the roof of the third ventricle of the brain.
Hormone
Melatonin
Functions
● Controls sleep-wake cycle
● Regulates biological clock
● Influences reproductive hormones
4. Thyroid Gland
Location
Present in the neck below the larynx and in front of the trachea.
Shape
Butterfly-shaped gland.
Hormones
Hormone Function
T3 (Triiodothyronine) Increases metabolism
T4 (Thyroxine) Increases metabolism
Calcitonin Lowers blood calcium level
Functions
● Controls metabolism
● Regulates growth and development
● Maintains body temperature
5. Parathyroid Glands
Location
Four small glands located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland.
Hormone
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Function
● Increases blood calcium level
● Stimulates calcium release from bones
● Increases calcium absorption from intestine
● Increases calcium reabsorption in kidneys
6. Thymus Gland
Location
Located behind the sternum in the upper chest.
Hormone
Thymosin
Functions
● Development of T-lymphocytes
● Maturation of immune cells
● Important in childhood immunity
Viva Question
What are lymphocytes?
Answer:
Lymphocytes are white blood cells involved in immune defense. Major types are:
● T lymphocytes
● B lymphocytes
● Natural Killer (NK) cells
Viva Question
What is the function of thymus?
Answer:
The thymus helps in the maturation and differentiation of T-lymphocytes
7. Adrenal Glands
Location
Located on top of each kidney.
Parts
1. Adrenal Cortex
2. Adrenal Medulla
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Hormone Function
Cortisol Stress response, metabolism
Aldosterone Sodium and water balance
Androgens Secondary sexual
characteristics
Adrenal Medulla Hormones
Hormone Function
Epinephrine (Adrenaline) Fight or flight response
Norepinephrine Increases blood
pressure
Functions
● Stress management
● Blood pressure regulation
● Electrolyte balance
8. Pancreas
Endocrine Portion
Islets of Langerhans
Cells and Hormones
Cell Type Hormone
Alpha Cells Glucagon
Beta Cells Insulin
Delta Cells Somatostati
n
Functions
Insulin
● Decreases blood glucose level
● Promotes glucose uptake by cells
Glucagon
● Increases blood glucose level
9. Ovaries
Hormones
Hormone Function
Estrogen Female secondary sexual
characteristics
Progesteron Maintains pregnancy
e
Functions
● Menstrual cycle regulation
● Female reproductive function
10. Testes
Hormone
Testosterone
Functions
● Male secondary sexual characteristics
● Sperm production
Gastric Glands (Important Viva)
What are Gastric Glands?
Gastric glands are glands present in the stomach wall.
Secretions
Cell Secretion
Parietal Cells HCl and Intrinsic Factor
Chief Cells Pepsinogen
Mucous Cells Mucus
G Cells Gastrin
Gastrin
Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates gastric acid secretion.
Feedback Mechanism
The endocrine system mainly works through negative feedback.
Example
1. Thyroid releases T3 and T4.
2. Blood levels rise.
3. Hypothalamus and pituitary reduce stimulation.
4. Hormone levels return to normal.
This maintains homeostasis.
Disorders of Endocrine System
Disorder Cause
Diabetes Mellitus Insulin deficiency/resistance
Hypothyroidism Low thyroid hormones
Hyperthyroidism Excess thyroid hormones
Dwarfism Deficiency of growth hormone
Gigantism Excess GH before puberty
Acromegaly Excess GH in adults
Addison's Disease Adrenal insufficiency
Cushing's Excess cortisol
Syndrome
Frequently Asked Viva Questions
What is a hormone?
A chemical messenger secreted by endocrine glands into the blood.
Why is pituitary called the master gland?
Because it controls many other endocrine glands.
Hypothalamus belongs to which system?
Both nervous and endocrine systems (neuroendocrine organ).
Which gland secretes melatonin?
Pineal gland.
Which gland secretes insulin?
Pancreas (Beta cells).
Which hormone lowers blood glucose?
Insulin.
Which hormone increases blood glucose?
Glucagon.
Which gland produces T-lymphocytes?
Thymus gland helps in maturation of T-lymphocytes.
Which gland regulates metabolism?
Thyroid gland.
What is the function of ADH?
Increases water reabsorption in kidneys.
Which hormone is called the emergency hormone?
Adrenaline (Epinephrine).
Exam Conclusion (Write at the End of Long Question)
The endocrine system is a network of ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the
bloodstream. These hormones regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, immunity, stress
response, and homeostasis. Proper functioning of endocrine glands is essential for
maintaining normal body activities and overall health.
For a 5-mark or long question, this material is sufficient for about 2 pages if written neatly
with headings and hormone tables. The most important exam areas are: hormone
definition, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, pancreas, thymus
(T-lymphocytes), adrenal gland, and feedback mechanism. These are commonly
targeted in both theory papers and viva examinations.