The endocrine system – 10 amazing glands

Graphic of the male and female endocrine system

The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones (chemical messengers). These hormones pass directly into the bloodstream to control metabolism , growth and sexual development.

The endocrine system consists of the following glands:

• hypothalamus
• pituitary gland
• pineal gland
• thyroid gland
• parathyroid glands
• adrenal glands
• pancreas
• thymus
• testes (male)
• ovaries (female)

The hormones produced by these glands travel to various organs, glands and tissues in the body and communicate with them.  Once they have reached their particular organ or tissue they bind to specific proteins on the surface of the cell. These proteins are called receptors .  When they have bound to the receptor, this causes a response in that particular organ or tissue (they tell it what to do).

Sometimes things can go wrong in the endocrine system and various illnesses can be caused.

What the endocrine system’s glands do

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is part of the brain.  It receives messages from all over the body and keeps the body balanced by sending out messages to the Nervous System via the brain.  It also sends out hormone messages to the pituitary gland and helps to regulate the control of thirst and hunger.

Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is under the control of the hypothalamus and is connected to the hypothalamus by a stalk. It has two lobes – the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. 

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland produces the following hormones:

• Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) which control the production of the sex hormones (oestrogen and testosterone).  They also control the growth and release of the egg from the ovaries. In men, they control the production of sperm.
• Growth Hormone which controls growth.
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) which tells the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroid hormones.
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) which tells the adrenals to release the hormone cortisol .
• Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH) which controls the production of melanin. Melanin is the substance that gives skin its colour.
• Prolactin (PRL) which stimulates the production of breast milk and is necessary for normal milk production during breastfeeding.

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland produces the following hormones:

• Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) which controls water excretion by the kidneys.
• Oxytocin which causes the womb to contract during labour and plays a role in the production of breast milk.

Pineal Gland

The pea-sized pineal gland is near the centre of the brain. The pineal gland produces a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone which is responsible for closing the body down ready for sleep. It is produced when it is dark so more is produced at night and in the winter. When nights are longer, the body makes more melatonin.  

It also affects reproductive development, thyroid and adrenal cortex functions.

Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland with two lobes. It is situated in the front of your neck, just below the Adams Apple.

The thyroid gland produces two main hormones which are very important for growth and development.  One is called thyroxine (T4) and the other is called triiodothyronine (T3).  T4 is converted to T3 in the body’s cells and tissues.  T3 is an active hormone and is needed by all of the cells and tissues of the body.

The thyroid gland also produces another hormone called calcitonin, which works alongside parathyroid hormone in the maintenance of calcium levels in the blood.

Parathyroid Glands

These pea-sized glands are attached to the thyroid gland and produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) which controls blood calcium levels.

Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are situated at the top of the kidneys.  Each adrenal gland is divided into two areas, the cortex and the medulla. Each area produces different hormones.

The cortex produces Corticosteroid hormones:

• Cortisol (also known as hydrocortisone ) is the main stress-buster of the body and controls the body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
• Corticosterone helps to control the immune system ’s inflammatory response (inflammation ).

It also produces Mineralocorticoids such as Aldosterone , which helps to maintain sodium balance in the body and the maintenance of blood volume and blood pressure.

The cortex also produces Gonadocorticoids or sex hormones such as testosterone, oestrogen, DHEA and progesterone in small amounts.

The medulla produces Adrenaline and Noradrenaline in response to acute stress such as fright and anger. These cause the heart to pump harder and the heart rate to increase. They also open airways into the lungs, increase blood flow to major muscle groups and enable the body to fight or run in a stressful situation.

Pancreas

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and certain special cells which control blood sugar, producing the hormones insulin and glucagon .

Thymus

The thymus makes white blood cells called T-lymphocytes. These white blood cells are part of the body’s immune system and help to fight infection.

Testes

The testes are two egg-shaped male reproductive organs.  They produce the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for the male characteristics of the body. Testosterone is needed for the production of sperm.  Men also produce a small amount of progesterone and oestrogen.

The Ovaries

The ovaries are two oval-shaped female reproductive organs.  They produce the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for the female characteristics of the body.  Oestrogen strengthens bones and has a protective effect on the heart, and progesterone causes the womb’s lining to thicken ready for pregnancy.  The ovaries also produce small amounts of testosterone.