The endocrine system is composed of organs located in various regions of the body. These organs produce hormones, a chemical messenger that regulates the functions of the body.
Organs of the Endocrine System:
A. PINEAL GLAND
Location: Brain
Function: Regulates the sleep cycle and production of melatonin
Hormone/s: Melatonin
Target areas: Various tissues, most especially the brain to induce sleep
B. PITUITARY GLAND
Location: Brain
Function: Release several hormones to regulate body functions like in metabolism, growth, and secondary sex characteristics
Hormone/s: Growth hormones, Luteinizing hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Target areas: Gonads produce sex cells and induce sexual development by secondary sex characters like breasts, facial hairs, etc.
C. THYROID
Location: Throat area
Function: Regulate metabolism, breathing, heart rate, muscle functions, etc.
Hormone/s: Thyroxine, Calcitonin
Target areas: Heart, Muscles, Bones
D. ADRENAL GLANDS
Location: Above the kidneys
Function: Helps the kidneys in controlling the amount of salt in the body, Regulates metabolism, blood pressure, and stress response
Hormone/s: Aldosterone, Cortisol, Androgens
Target areas: Various tissues, particularly, kidneys and gonads
E. PANCREAS
Location: Surrounded by the liver, kidneys, and other internal organs
Function: Regulation of blood sugar and digestion
Hormone/s: Insulin, Glucagon
Target areas: Various tissues, particularly, the liver and muscles store or burn extra sugars in the blood
F. GONADS = TESTES IN MALE; OVARIES IN FEMALE
Location: Inguinal region
Function: Production of sex cells like sperm or egg, Regulate male or female reproduction and sexual development
Hormone/s: Testosterone, Estrogen, Progesterone
Target areas: Various tissues and regions of the body, particularly, the throat (male lowering of voice), chest (breast development), facial hairs, maturation of egg cells and sperm cells in the gonads