The human endocrine system consists of several ductless glands that secrete hormones to help regulate metabolic functions. The branch of science that deals with the study of the endocrine gland is known as endocrinology. The production of the hormones by the endocrine glands are controlled by the stimulation from the nervous system and is even impacted by hormones produced by other glands. The hormones secreted by the human endocrine gland help in the regulation of many functions of the organs, maintain homeostasis, cellular metabolism, heart rate, digestion, reproduction, and many processes.
Major human endocrine gland and its functions
The human endocrine gland diagram helps systematically study and understand all the endocrine glands located across the body. The endocrine glands are ductless, and all the secretions are directly secreted into the blood. Here are the different types of human endocrine glands and their functions:
Hypothalamus |
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Pituitary gland |
Hormones released by the anterior pituitary gland
Hormones released by the posterior pituitary gland
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Thyroid gland |
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Parathyroid gland |
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Thymus |
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Pancreas |
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Adrenal gland |
The hormones released by the adrenal gland helps in controlling blood pressure, heart rate, maintaining a level of salt in the body, promoting sex hormone production etc. |
Pineal Glands |
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Gonads | It includes the male and the female sex organs which are:
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How to study endocrine hormones
The endocrine glands and the hormone released is analysed by measuring the regulatory and metabolic functions or activities supported by the hormone. When the human endocrine glands function appropriately, it will help in proper regulation and function in the body. However, when there is an increase or decrease in hormone production from any glands, it can cause disease or disorder. Studying endocrine hormones requires a detailed study of the endocrine system and all the associated glands and organs.
Conclusion
The endocrine system is the system of glands that releases different types of hormones that regulate various biological processes. The human endocrine glands are located across different body parts and are all ductless glands, and the glands secrete the hormone directly in the blood. The endocrine system combines the study of different ductless glands and how it controls the secretion of various hormones. The stimulation by the nervous system helps activate the endocrine ducts and hence favours the secretion of various hormones. Each hormone has its function, and the malfunction leads to disease or disorder.