ENDOCRINE GLANDS

Gland

A group of cells that secretes substances from themselves.

Endocrine Glands

Endocrine glands are also known as ductless glands because they discharge their secretions, known as harmones, directly into blood. Harmones play a very important role in various functions of human body.

1. Pituitary Gland

It is the reddish grey body hanging down middle of the lower surface of brain. Its secretion regulates growth and structure of human body. It is called master gland because it controls the activities of other glands.

2. Thyroid Gland

It is a brownish red body situated in the front of neck. It secretes the substance known as Throxine which is rich in iodine. The deficiency of Iodine cuases Goitre, the abnormal increase in the size of neck.

3. Parathyroid Gland

It is also found in neck, present in thyroid gland. It contols the level of Phosphorus and calcium in bones and blood.

4. Pancrease

It secretes insuline as a harmone that controls sugar level in blood.

5. Adrenal Glands

They are small yellowish glands just above kidneys, one on each side. Their seceretion is rich in vitamin C. They influence sense organs and call forth the sources of body in an emergency.

6. Ovaries

These glands produce the harmone, estrogen, that controls the reproduction system in females.

7. Testes

These glands are found in males that secerete androgen. This harmone controls the reproduction system in males.