The pituitary serves as a conduit between the endocrine system and nervous systems by way of the hypothalamus. The smaller, posterior lobe stores hormones, but does not synthesize any. The former is larger, and releases the majority of the hormones. This particular gland has two distinct areas: the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) and the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis). All are important for maintaining homeostasis, and stimulating other endocrine glands to produce and secrete their own hormones. Located at the base of the brain and directly connected to the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland secretes nine hormones. Although it weighs less than an ounce, it is one of the most important glands in the body. The pituitary gland, also called the hypophysis, is an endocrine gland about the size of a pea. It detects daylight and darkness to control the release of melatonin, a derivative of serotonin that is important for sleep. The pineal gland is a small, pine-cone shaped endocrine gland in the brain. In addition, the hypothalamus has a role in regulating mood, body temperature, hunger, and sleep. Based on information sent by the brain, it sends signals to the pituitary gland to release hormones. The hypothalamus is located in the brain, and connects the nervous and endocrine systems.

Organs of the Endocrine System Hypothalamus Endocrine glands do not have ducts they secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands have ducts or channels which secrete chemicals such as saliva or sweat. Endocrine Glands Hypothalamus Pineal Gland Pituitary gland Thyroid Parathyroid Gland Thymus Adrenal Glands Pancreas Ovaries Testes Hormones Prolactin Oxytocin Glucagon Insulin Reproductive Hormones Epinephrine Growth Hormone Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone Antidiuretic Hormone Disorders of the Endocrine System Endocrine GlandsĪ gland is a group of cells that produces a substance, and releases it via a process called secretion.

Adrenal gland secretes what hormone