The Endocrine System.
What is it?
The Endocrine System is a series of glands which make and secrete hormones that the body uses.
These hormones control many functions, such as:
respiration
metabolism
reproduction
sensory perception
movement
sexual development
growth
GLANDS/ORGANS
The Endocrine System involves several different glands and organs to help the body function. These glands include:
hypothalamus
pituitary gland
parathyroids
pancreas
thyroid
adrenal gland
pineal gland
ovaries
testes
When any of the endocrine glands produce the wrong amount of hormones, diseases can develop that affect our daily lives
Glands and Functions
Hypothalamus: responsible for body temperature, hunger, mood, the releases of hormones from other glands, as well as thirst, sleep, and sex drive
Pituitary gland: controls other glands and creates the hormones which trigger growth
Parathyroids: controls the amount of calcium in the body
Pancreas: produces insulin to help control blood sugar levels
Thyroid: produces hormones associated with calorie burning and heart rate
Adrenal gland: produce hormones that controls sex drive and cortisol, the stress hormone
Pineal gland: produces melatonin, which affects sleep
Ovaries: only found in women, ovaries secrete estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone
Testes: only found in men, testes produce sperm and testosterone
Your thyroid
Your thyroid is very important! It is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It has a right lobe and left lobe, with a bridge in-between called an isthmus. Your thyroid produces hormones that act throughout your body, affecting metabolism, growth, development, and body temperature.
More Educational Resources
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Thyroid Disease
Learn the difference between hypo- and hyperthyroidism, and Graves Disease.
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Thyroid Cancer
Learn about the types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, anapestic and hürthle cell.
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Survivorship
Information on thyroid hormone replacement medication, care plans and what comes after.
