Anatomy of the Endocrine

System
 Medical Author: Stephen Kemp, MD, PhD
 Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Reviewed on 10/16/2020
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 What is the Endocrine System?



 Hypothalamus
 Pituitary Gland
 Thyroid Gland
 Parathyroid Glands
 Adrenal Glands
 Pineal Body
 Reproductive Glands
 Pancreas


 Pictures of the Endocrine System



 Anatomy of the Endocrine System Topic Guide

What is the Endocrine System?

Illustration of the Endocrine System.

The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones, chemical
substances produced in the body that regulate the activity of cells or organs. These hormones
regulate the body's growth, metabolism (the physical and chemical processes of the body), and
sexual development and function. The hormones are released into the bloodstream and may
affect one or several organs throughout the body.

Hormones are chemical messengers created by the body. They transfer information from one set
of cells to another to coordinate the functions of different parts of the body.

The major glands of the endocrine system are the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids,
adrenals, pineal body, and the reproductive organs (ovaries and testes). The pancreas is also a
part of this system; it has a role in hormone production as well as in digestion.
The endocrine system is regulated by feedback in much the same way that a thermostat regulates
the temperature in a room. For the hormones that are regulated by the pituitary gland, a signal is
sent from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland in the form of a "releasing hormone," which
stimulates the pituitary to secrete a "stimulating hormone" into the circulation. The stimulating
hormone then signals the target gland to secrete its hormone. As the level of this hormone rises
in the circulation, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland shut down secretion of the releasing
hormone and the stimulating hormone, which in turn slows the secretion by the target gland. This
system results in stable blood concentrations of the hormones that are regulated by the pituitary
gland.

Hormones Regulated by the Hypothalamic/Pituitary System

Pituitary Stimulating
Hormone Hypothalamic Releasing Hormone
Hormone

Thyroid hormones Thyroid-stimulating hormone Thyrotropin-releasing hormone

T4, T3 (TSH) (TRH)

Adrenocorticotropin hormone
Cortisol Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)
(ACTH)

Follicle-stimulating hormone Luteinizing hormone-releasing

Estrogen or
(FSH), luteinizing hormone hormone (LHRH) or gonadotropin-
testosterone
(LH) releasing hormone (GnRH)

Insulinlike growth Growth hormone-releasing hormone

Growth hormone
factor-I (IGF-I) (GHRH)

Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that secretes hormones that regulate body temperature and metabolism.

The hypothalamus is located in the lower central part of the brain. This part of the brain is
important in regulation of satiety, metabolism, and body temperature. In aHypothalamus
releasing hormones signal secretion of stimulating hormones. The hypothalamus also secretes a
hormone called somatostatin, which causes the pituitary gland to stop the release of growth
hormone.

Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland produces hormones that control many of the other endocrine organs.

The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain beneath the hypothalamus and is no larger
than a pea. It is often considered the most important part of the endocrine system because it
produces hormones that control many functions of other endocrine glands. When the pituitary
gland does not produce one or more of its hormones or not enough of them, it is called
hypopituitarism.

The pituitary gland is divided into two parts: the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The
anterior lobe produces the following hormones, which are regulated by the hypothalamus:

 Growth hormone: Stimulates growth of bone and tissue (Growth hormone

deficiency results in growth failure. Growth hormone deficiency in adults results in
problems in maintaining proper amounts of body fat and muscle and bone mass. It is also
involved in emotional well-being.)
 Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid
hormones (A lack of thyroid hormones either because of a defect in the pituitary or the
thyroid itself is called hypothyroidism.)
 Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal gland to produce
several related steroid hormones
  Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Hormones that
control sexual function and production of the sex steroids, estrogen and progesterone in
females or testosterone in males
 Prolactin: Hormone that stimulates milk production in females

The posterior lobe produces the following hormones, which are not regulated by the
hypothalamus:

 Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin): Controls water loss by the kidneys

 Oxytocin: Contracts the uterus during childbirth and stimulates milk production

The hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary are actually produced in the brain and carried to
the pituitary gland through nerves. They are stored in the pituitary gland.

Thyroid Gland

The brain's growth and development is controlled by the thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland is located in the lower front part of the neck. It produces thyroid hormones that
regulate the body's metabolism. It also plays a role in bone growth and development of the brain
and nervous system in children. The pituitary gland controls the release of thyroid hormones.
Thyroid hormones also help maintain normal blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, muscle tone,
and reproductive functions.
Parathyroid Glands

The parathyroid glands are two pairs of small glands embedded in the surface of the thyroid
gland, one pair on each side. They release parathyroid hormone, which plays a role in regulating
calcium levels in the blood and bone metabolism.

Adrenal Glands

Adrenal glands regulate your body's metabolism, immune system, and sexual functions.

The two adrenal glands are triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney. The adrenal
glands are made up of two parts. The outer part is called the adrenal cortex, and the inner part is
called the adrenal medulla. The outer part produces hormones called corticosteroids, which
regulate the body's metabolism, the balance of salt and water in the body, the immune system,
and sexual function. The inner part, or adrenal medulla, produces hormones called
catecholamines (for example, adrenaline). These hormones help the body cope with physical and
emotional stress by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure.