Page 3 - 2.3-LN

IMPORTANT ENDOCRINE GLANDS
Hypothalamus:
• It releases releasing hormones which regulates the secretion of pituitary
glands
• It regulates the body temperature, controls thirst, sleep, hunger, emotions,
moods and allow the release of hormones.

Pituitary gland (master gland) (single):
• The pituitary gland (also called hypophysis) is a small projection (about the size
of a pea) which hangs from the base of the mid-brain. It is connected to the
hypothalamus of the brain by the pituitary stalk.
• It controls growth as it secretes Growth hormone (GH)
• GH promotes growth of whole body, particularly of the skeleton.
Undersecretion in childhood leads to Dwarfism, oversecretion in childhood
causes gigantism and in adult, acromegaly.
• Controls secretion of other glands hence termed as the “master gland,”

Pineal gland (single):
• Present in the brain.
• Responds to light exposure.

Thyroid gland (paired):
• Present in the neck region.
• Produces thyroxin (contains iodine).
• Responsible for metabolic rate, healthy hair & skin.
• Lack of iodine→→ Deficiency of Thyroxine→→ Goitre
• Iodine mineral is essential part of thyroxine hormone so it is important that we
• must consume iodised salt as in turn it is essential for thyroid gland as it controls
• carbohydrate, proteins and fat metabolism for best balance of growth deficiency
of iodine might cause disease called goitre.

• Parathyroid gland (paired):
• Present above the thyroid gland.
• Secretes Para hormone.
• Controls and regulates the level of calcium and phosphorus in blood.
• Lack of this hormone leads to brittle bones.

Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans):
• It is present behind the stomach.
• Produces insulin.
• Regulates blood sugar level.Deficiency of insulin causes diabetes.
• Hyperglycemia refers to high sugar level in blood. In general diabetic patients
has hyperglycemia due to insufficient release of insulin hormone.
• Pancreas is a heterocrine gland as it is both endocrine and exocrine by
nature.

Testes:
• Males →→ Present outside the pelvic region and produces testosterone.
• It is the main sex hormone present in men which cause puberty, muscle mass
growth, and strength, increases bone density and handles facial hair growth.