Human
Endocrine
System
BIOLOGY
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Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a collection of glands that work interdependently and
produce hormones.
The endocrine glands secrete chemicals known as hormones.
Hormones are non-nutrient chemicals which act as intercellular messengers and are
produced in trace amount.
Based on the way of secretion
There are three types of glands based on secretion, they are:
1) Exocrine glands
2) Endocrine glands
3) Mixed glands
Digrammatic representation of Endocrine System
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Exocrine Glands
They secrete into a location or region of the body through a duct and their
secretions are called enzymes mostly, while some are nonenzymes.
Example: Sweat Glands, Salivary Glands, Mammary Gland, Ceruminous Gland,
Lacrimal Gland, Mucous Gland.
They perform the following functions:
Regulate body temperature
Lubrication
Lactation
Helps in digestion
Helps in reproduction
Endocrine Glands
They Secrete into blood flowing through them, so as to let the secretion function at
distant parts of the body from the gland.
Example: Pineal Gland, Pituitary Gland, Pancreas, Ovaries, Testes, Thyroid Gland,
Parathyroid Gland, Hypothalamus, and Adrenal Glands.
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Mixed Glands
A gland that is both exocrine and endocrine.
Organs like the pancreas and liver secrete products -- bile and pancreatic juice--
into the gastrointestinal tract through a series of ducts, and endocrine because they
secrete other substances directly into the bloodstream
Mixed glands
Points to Remember
Hypothalamus contains several groups of neurosecretory cells called nuclei which
produce hormones.
Hypothalamus produces two types of harmones:-
1) Releasing Harmones
2) Inhibiting Harmones
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Glands and their secretions
Glands Location Secretions
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Pituitary Gland
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
(Hypophysis)
Gonadotropins Follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH)
Anterior Pituitary Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Base of the Brain
(Adenohypophysis) Growth hormone (GH)
Prolactin, melanocyte-stimulating
hormone (MSH)
Posterior Gland
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) Vasopressin
(Neurohypophysis)
Oxytocin
Anterior to the Thyroxine (T4)
Thyroid Gland
trachea (two lobes)
Triiodothyronine (T3)
Lies on the dorsal
surface of the
Parathyroid gland
thyroid gland (4 Parathormone (PTH)
glands - 2 pairs)
Top of each kidney Cortex secretes corticosteroids
(2 sections - medulla (Glucocorticoids and Mineralocorticoids)
Adrenal glands
is inner and 2 cortex
surrounds medulla) Small amounts of androgen, estrogen,
Exocrine secretes digestive enzymes into
the duodenum.
Left of, and behind
Pancreas
the Stomach. Endocrine has cell clusters called Islet of
(Exocrine and Langerhans.
Endocrine gland)
Alpha islet cells produce glucagons. Beta
cells secrete insulin
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In the abdominal
cavity beneath the
diaphragm, and Largest gland in the human body
Liver
above the stomach,
Secretes Bile
right kidney, and
intestines
Near to the center of
the brain between
Pineal Gland
the left and right Produces Melatonin
hemisphere
Beneath the
Thymus Gland breastbone near the Produces T cells (Thymus-Derived Cells)
heart
BIOLOGY | Human Endocrine System PAGE 6