Endocrine Glands are ductless glands, so-called because the secretion they make does not leave the glands through ducts, but passes directly into the blood circulating through the substance of the glands.
The active principle of the secretion of an endocrine gland is called Hormone. Some glands produce a single hormone, whilst others produce two or more.
The following is a list of endocrine glands:-
Pineal
Pituitary
Thyroid
Parathyroid
Thymus
Adrenal
Parts of the Pancreas
Parts of the Ovaries and Testes
PINEAL – the function of the pineal gland is obscure. It is believed to be concerned with growth, but there are those who believe it to be associated with psychic experience.
PITUITARY – this is sometimes called the Master Gland. Through its hormones it influences most of the other ductless glands of the body.
THYROID – the thyroid is concerned with metabolism, regulating the chemistry of the tissues. It is also instrumental in regulating oxygen consumption and the expulsion of carbon dioxide. Under-activity in this gland causes a secretion deficiency which retards physical and mental growth in children. In adults, the metabolic processes slow down, there is a tendency to put on weight, movements become lethargic and there is a slowing down of the mind. Over-secretion produces just the opposite. The individual becomes excitable and nervous. Sufferers lose weight and become irritable. In spite of eating well, they remain thin, and the pulse rate is rapid.
PARATHYROID GLANDS – the parathyroid glands are two pairs of tiny oval bodies embedded in the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. Under-secretion causes the muscles to go into spasm. Over-secretion causes the bones to soften. There is also depression of the nervous system.
THYMUS – Its functions are not known, but it is thought to be concerned with the production of antibodies.
ADRENAL GLANDS – the secretion of these glands increases when we become angry or experience fear. Secretion is also increased in states of asphyxia and starvation. This increase in output raises the blood pressure in order to counteract the shock produced by these conditions.
THE ISLETS OF LANGERHANS OF THE PANCREAS – one of the main functions of the islet cells is the secretion of insulin, which lowers the blood concentration of glucose and facilitates the transportation of glucose into the cells together with potassium.
OVARiES – these are internal female organs of reproduction. They contain a great number of immature ova. At each menstrual cycle, one of these ova develops into a Graafian Follicle which ripens and eventually ruptures, causing the ovum (singular of ova) to escape into the uterine tube.
TESTES – these are the male organs of generation, where spermatozoa are formed and Testosterone is produced. Testosterone is the male sex hormone. The secretion of testosterone increases at puberty, and is responsible for the development of masculine characteristics such as the growth of facial hair, deepening of the voice etc ..
NOTE: The ovaries and testes are also known as GONADS
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