ENDOCRINE GLANDS

Endocrine glands help to regulate metabolic processes, and perform this together with their hormones. These endocrine glands play an important role in growth and as they are hormone producers, they release their secretions directly into the bloodstream. Endocrine glands may also be known as DUCTLESS GLANDS.

Here are examples of endocrine glands (click here to see where they are situated in the body).

PITUITARY GLAND -Is an endocrine gland that is attached to the brain,  and consists of ANTERIOR and POSTERIOR  LOBES. The  PITUITARY gland may also  be known as HYPOPHYSIS even  "MASTER GLAND". It is or may called master  gland because it produces many hormones that will,  or may, affect other endocrine glands.
THYROID GLANDS -Produces two distinct types of hormones which  are called Colcitonin and Thyroxine. THYROXINE -They cause metabolic activity in the most cells of  the body and they release under  the control of  thyroid stimulating hormone produced in the  anterior Pituitary. COLCITONIN -it works together with parathormone, and it is    the  sole secretion  of the parathyroids. They  work  together to control  the the  concentration  of  calcium in the blood. PARATHYROID GLANDS -The parathyroids cause the bones to release  calcium from the bone, and this calcium will raise  blood levels.
ADRENAL GLAND -Is an endocrine gland which is  regulated mainly  by  the sympathetic Nervous system, and these  glands are situated above the kidneys. They  contain or consist of two different glands  Adrenal medulla and Adrenal cortex.  Adrenal medulla -It consist of neurosecretory Cells, Nerves and  Capillaries, and it also produces hormones known  as adrenaline and noradrenaline. Adrenal cortex -It produces the  glucocorticoid hormones that  helps to regulate glucose metabolism.
PANCREASES GLAND -Is an endocrine gland located  in the  abdominal cavity and it is a double gland. It consist of  two populations of hormone producing cells. One produces Glucagon and the other produces Insulin, these  hormones react differently. FUNCTI0NS Insulin- stimulates glucogen synthesis by muscles and the liver, and it also promotes protein synthesis. Glucagon- it promotes the lipolysis in adipose tissue and it also increases gluconeogenesis from amino acids which are available in the liver. EXAMPLES 1.High blood glucose The insulin becomes stimulated where else glucagon become inhibited. 2. Low blood glucose The insulin becomes inhibited where else glucagon  become stimulated.
OVARY GLAND -Is an endocrine gland that is responsible for reproduction in the females. It produces hormones called Oestrogens. Functions of  Oestrrogens 1. before an ovum is released, the  Oestrogens         cause the  uterus to become thick. 2.it controls the development of sexual                     characteristics.
TESTES GLANDS -Are endocrine glands found on the  reproductive organ of a male (boys). They  produce sperms and the hormones known as  Testosterone