The Endocrine System: Structure and Functions

Biology 1
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Biology 2
The Endocrine System: Structure and Functions
The endocrine system is composed of glands that generate and release, chemical compounds,
hormones produced in the body that control cells’ or organs functions. The primary functions
of these hormones are to control body development, metabolism, body processes, and sexual
development and function (Hoar and Randall, 2014). The hormones travel through the
bloodstream and are distributed to various body organs.
The primary glands making up the endocrine system comprise of the sexual reproductive
organs, pituitary, hypothalamus, pineal body, thyroid, adrenals, and parathyroids. The
pancreas also plays an active role in hormonal secretion and in digestion thus making up the
endocrine system.
 Hypothalamus
Situated at the brain in its inferior middle part and is essential in metabolism, satiety control,
and the control of heat in the body. It also produces hormones that function to suppress or
stimulate the hormonal secretion in the pituitary gland (Harris, 2009).
 Pituitary gland
Positioned at brain base below the hypothalamus and secretes hormones that regulate the
roles of the most of other endocrine glands. Examples of hormones secreted by the pituitary
gland include development hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH),
adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), luteinizing hormone (LH), antidiuretic hormone,
prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and oxytocin.
 Thyroid gland

Biology 3
Found in the bottom front part of the neck and secretes thyroid hormones responsible for
regulation of body metabolism (Ranade et al., 2008).
 Parathyroid glands
These comprises of two minor glands entrenched on the thyroid gland. They secrete the
parathyroid hormone responsible for controlling calcium levels in bones and bloodstream
(Fancy et al., 2010).
 Adrenal Glands
These are triangular-shaped glands located at the superior part of both kidneys and comprises
of two parts. The adrenal cortex is the outer part, and it secretes corticosteroid hormones
responsible for balancing water and salt in the body. The inner part is the adrenal medulla in
charge of the secretion of catecholamine hormones that aid the body in acclimatizing with
emotional and physical stress.
 Penal body
This is located centrally in the brain. It produces melatonin hormone which aids in the body’s
control of the wake-sleep cycle.
 Reproductive Glands
These the primary producers of sex hormones. Testes in men are found in the scrotum and
produce androgen hormones, which influences various sexual growth and development
features in males. The ovaries in the females are located on both sides of the uterus, and
function to secrete estrogen and progesterone and ovum. These hormones are responsible for
the regulation of different female sexual development features.
 Pancrease