Glands of the Endocrine System
The glands within the human body are organs which can be a part of the endocrine and exocrine systems, so their major function is to supply hormones and balance the metabolism for the correct functioning of the body.
Having made this consideration, the glands which can be a part of the endocrine system are: thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, pancreas, adrenal glands and the sexual glands (female and male).
In turn, the glands that make up the exocrine system of the human body are the salivary, sweat, lacrimal, mammary and sebaceous glands.
Glands of the Endocrine System
Thyroid
Located within the neck, the thyroid is among the largest glands within the human body. It performs a number of very important functions akin to: the production of hormones (triiodothyronine and thyroxine) and regulation of metabolism.
Due to this fact, the malfunction of this gland can result in diseases akin to hyperthyroidism (extreme release of hormones) which accelerates metabolism and hypothyroidism (insufficient launch of hormones) which reduces the body’s metabolic action.
Parathyroids
Located within the neck, across the thyroid gland, the parathyroids are the smallest glands within the body.
Formed by 4 small glands, thought-about two pairs of thyroids (upper and lower), they act within the production of the hormone Parathyroid hormone (PTH) whose perform is to manage the quantity of calcium present in the blood.
Pituitary gland
A small gland, the size of a pea, the pituitary gland, additionally referred to as the “ master gland ”, is located within the central a part of the head and has essential features akin to: controlling different glands, good metabolism functioning and the manufacturing of hormones (ADH and development).
Pancreas
Located behind the abdomen, the pancreas is a combined gland , as it’s a part of the endocrine system (production of hormones: insulin, somatostatin and glucagon ) and exocrine system (release of pancreatic juice) of the human body. On this method, it acts within the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Adrenals
The adrenal glands, additionally referred to as adrenal glands, are located above the kidneys and are triangular in form.
Responsible for releasing hormones into the body, akin to cortisol, aldosterone, catecholamine and adrenaline, these glands additionally play a task within the metabolic process.
Sexual Glands
The Gonads or reproductive glands are the ovaries in females and the testicles in males.
Along with producing gametes (eggs and sperm), the reproductive intercourse glands are responsible for producing hormones akin to estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries and testosterone by the testicles.
Test your information with exercises on the endocrine system.
Glands of the Exocrine System
Salivary Glands
Located within the mouth and throat, the salivary glands (parotid, sublingual, submandibular) act within the means of meals digestion through the method of producing and releasing saliva, because it contains the enzyme ptyalin or salivary amylase , responsible for softening meals in addition to maintaining moisturization of the mouth.
Sweat Glands
Responsible for sustaining body temperature and eliminating poisonous substances, sweat glands are distributed below the skin and act within the production and release of sweat. They’re categorized as apocrine sweat glands, referred to as “scent glands”, located within the armpits and genitals; and eccrine sweat glands, spread all through the body, answerable for sustaining physique temperature.
Lacrimal glands
Located within the eyes, the lacrimal glands are answerable for producing tears, lubricating the eyes and inhibiting the development of microorganisms within the area.
Mammary Glands
Exclusive to mammals, mammary glands are present in each sexes, nonetheless, in females after puberty they proceed to develop with a purpose to carry out their major function: producing milk to feed newborns.
Sebaceous Glands
Responsible for defending, keeping the skin flexible and lubricated, the sebaceous glands , that are spread all through the physique, release sebum (fats), an oily substance that’s largely found on the face and scalp. That is why hair turns into oily once we go days with out washing it.
Liver
The biggest gland within the human body, the liver functions as a combined gland, performing within the endocrine system (releasing substances into the blood) and exocrine system (releasing secretions). It has a number of functions, akin to storing substances (minerals and nutritional vitamins), producing bile, and synthesizing cholesterol and hormones.
Learn additionally about: Endocrine Glands