Answer:

Explanation:

Glands are sectioned into two groups on the basis of their function. Endocrine glands excrete chemicals, such as hormones, through the basal lamina of cells that travel through the blood stream. Examples of endocrine glands are the thyroid glands and pituitary glands which play important roles in preserving the homeostatic balance of the body. But endocrine glands are varied.

Major endocrine glands (and their main functions):

Thyroid gland: mainly helps to regulate our metabolism and vital bodily functions with the release of TSH, T3, and T4 hormones. This gland is butterfly-shaped and located in the neck. Other functions it helps regulate are our breathing, our HEAR rate, our weight and our body temperature (and so much more).

Pituitary gland: is the size of a pea and is located behind our noses. It is directly controlled by the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland is often called the “master gland” because it releases a plethora of growth and stimulatory hormones that affect our thyroid, adrenal glands, and sex organs (i.e. prolactin which stimulates milk production, growth hormones for muscle and BONE mass, etc.)

Pancreas: is also considered a gland despite being an entire organ as it is a secretory organ. It maintains healthy blood sugar levels via insulin and glucagon release. The pancreas also releases digestive enzymes that break down protein, fats, and carbs in our food.

Pineal gland: releases melatonin, which is involved in the sleep cycle. The pineal gland has a role in regulating our circadian rhythm (or waking-sleeping cycles that are linked to the periods of lightness and darkness over the 24-hour cycle).

Adrenal gland: help CONTROL blood sugar and use of carbs and fats. They are located on top of each kidney, and release sex hormones and cortisol – which is a stress hormone.

Thymus: is located between our lungs and is only ACTIVE until puberty commences. It secretes hormones important for puberty and a healthy immune system.

Testes (in males): release the sex hormone testosterone. Despite lying freely in the scrotum, it is connected to the body by the spermatic cord, which is highly innervated and connected to our blood vessels. Testosterone promote SPERM production & our sex drive.

Ovaries (in females): produces estrogen, which promotes breast development & healthy periods. Estrogen initiates menstruation, and the release of an egg each month.

Exocrine glands, on the other hand, use ducts to expel their material onto an epithelial surface rather than the bloodstream. This external surface can be our skin or even our GI tract. The material is always expelled onto the apical (“top”) surface of our cells.