Endocrine Glands Anatomy

Study Notes

Major Endocrine Glands:

Pituitary Gland:
- Located at the base of the brain
- Regulates other endocrine glands
- Divided into anterior and posterior lobes
Thyroid Gland:
- Located in the neck
- Produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate metabolism
- Consists of two lobes connected by an isthmus
Adrenal Glands:
- Located on top of the kidneys
- Produce hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol
- Divided into adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla
Pancreas:
- Located behind the stomach
- Produces hormones such as insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugar levels
- Also produces digestive enzymes
Ovaries (Female):
- Located in the pelvis
- Produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that regulate the female reproductive cycle
Testes (Male):
- Located in the scrotum
- Produce hormones such as testosterone that regulate the male reproductive cycle
Hypothalamus:
- Located in the brain
- Produces hormones that regulate body temperature, hunger, and thirst
Pineal Gland:
- Located in the brain
- Produces melatonin that regulates sleep-wake cycles
Parathyroid Glands:
- Located in the neck
- Produce parathyroid hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood

Other Endocrine Glands:

Thymus:
- Located in the chest
- Produces hormones that regulate immune function
Adipose Tissue:
- Distributed throughout the body
- Produces hormones such as leptin that regulate energy balance
Gastrointestinal Tract:
- Produces hormones such as gastrin and secretin that regulate digestion
Kidneys:
- Produce hormones such as erythropoietin that regulate red blood cell production
Skin:
- Produces hormones such as vitamin D that regulate calcium levels and bone health

The endocrine system consists of major and other endocrine glands that produce hormones to regulate various bodily functions.

Pituitary Gland
- Located at the base of the brain.
- Regulates other endocrine glands.
- Divided into anterior and posterior lobes.
Thyroid Gland
- Located in the neck.
- Produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) to regulate metabolism.
- Consists of two lobes connected by an isthmus.
Adrenal Glands
- Located on top of the kidneys.
- Produce hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol.
- Divided into adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla.
Pancreas
- Located behind the stomach.
- Produces hormones such as insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Also produces digestive enzymes.
Ovaries (Female)
- Located in the pelvis.
- Produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone to regulate the female reproductive cycle.
Testes (Male)
- Located in the scrotum.
- Produce hormones such as testosterone to regulate the male reproductive cycle.
Hypothalamus
- Located in the brain.
- Produces hormones that regulate body temperature, hunger, and thirst.
Pineal Gland
- Located in the brain.
- Produces melatonin to regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Parathyroid Glands
- Located in the neck.
- Produce parathyroid hormone to regulate calcium levels in the blood.

Thymus
- Located in the chest.
- Produces hormones that regulate immune function.
Adipose Tissue
- Distributed throughout the body.
- Produces hormones such as leptin to regulate energy balance.
Gastrointestinal Tract
- Produces hormones such as gastrin and secretin to regulate digestion.
Kidneys
- Produce hormones such as erythropoietin to regulate red blood cell production.
Skin
- Produces hormones such as vitamin D to regulate calcium levels and bone health.