5. Major Endocrine Glands

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the major endocrine glands.
  • Summarize the hormones they produce.

Endocrine Glands 

  • secretory cells
  • connective tissue
  • blood vessels
  • no duct
  • innervation and vascularization (fenestrated capillaries)
  • One gland can produce several types of hormones same hormone can be produced by various glands.
  • Endocrine glands differ from Exocrine glands (exo = “outside”) in that exocrine glands secrete enzymes, waste products, etc. NOT hormones
  • Exocrine glands do NOT into the bloodstream
  • several organs have both endocrine and exocrine glands (e.g., pancreas, gut)

Gland

Major Hormones

Key Functions

Hypothalamus

Releasing/inhibiting hormones

Controls pituitary

Pituitary

GH, ACTH, TSH, LH, FSH, ADH, Oxytocin

Master gland

Thyroid

T3, T4, Calcitonin

Regulates metabolism, calcium

Adrenal

Cortisol, Aldosterone, Adrenaline

Stress response, metabolism, fluid balance

Pancreatic Islets

Insulin, Glucagon

Blood glucose regulation