The brain composed of neural (nerve) tissue. Pharynx, and the Posterior lobe which is an outgrowth of Glands: the Anterior lobe which is an outgrowth of the The Pituitary gland is made up of two separate This is known as the 'master gland' because it exertsĬontrol over all of the other glands of the endocrine system.ĭespite its importance the pituitary gland is no larger than a TheyĪre either destroyed by the liver or the actual tissues of the Once hormones have served theirįunction on their target organs/tissues they are destroyed. Thisįeedback mechanism (which is characteristic of most glands)ĭisposal of waste. Secreting, until once again hormone concentrations fall. Hormone in the blood rise this may cause the gland to stop

Low concentrations of a hormone will often Maintain a proper balance of hormones, and prevent excess

They have built in feedback mechanisms that Glands discharge hormones directly into theīloodstream.

steroids which are derived from cholesterol.

proteins and peptides which are made from chains of amino acids.

Hormones can be grouped into three main types: Exocrine hormonesĪre secreted via a duct into the blood and usually effect a distantĪre secreted within the tissue (rather than via a duct) and enter the blood stream

To influence the ability of substances to transport themselves through cell membranes.Ībout Hormones Hormones are secreted from the glands of theĮndocrine system, they are specific in that each hormone causesĪ response in a specific target organ or group of cells, rather.

To regulate the rate of chemical reactions in various cells.

To regulate the metabolic functions of the body.

Secretions come from a variety of glands which control various System regulates the activities of the body by secreting complexĬhemical substances (hormones) into the blood stream. The Endocrine system (along with the nervous system) controlsĪnd regulates the complex activities of the body. Contents Functions of the Endocrine System About Hormones The Pituitary Gland The Thyroid gland The Parathyroids The Pancreas The Adrenal Glands The Gonads Roots, suffixes, and prefixes Cancer Focus Related Abbreviations and Acronyms Further Resources Functions of the Endocrine System

Hormones produced by adrenal gland