The Endocrine System

The word ‘endocrine’ means ‘internal secretion’ and the organs of this system are therefore glands of internal secretion. Although the glands are found all over the body they all influence one another.  

The endocrine gland that controls the functions of all the other endocrine glands in this system, the pituitary or master gland, is found in the brain. The pituitary gland is a tiny organ, the size of a pea, found at the base of the brain. As the “master gland” of the body, it produces many hormones that travel throughout the body, directing certain processes or stimulating other glands to produce other hormones.

Function Gland Stimulates development of the ovarian follicle. Pituitary Gland Controls blood glucose levels. Pancreas Influences the rate of growth and development of young animals. Thyroid Gland Stimulates the growth of long bones. Stimulates absorption of water from the kidney tubule. ‘Prepares the body for fight or flight’ Adrenal Glands Affect glucose, protein and fat metabolism. Prepares the body for emergency situations. Produces a hormone called Insulin Controls the pituitary gland Hypothalamus

Hormone Produced by: Insulin Pancreas Progesterone Ovaries Oestrogen Growth hormone Thyroid gland Adrenaline Adrenal glands Antidiuretic hormone Pituitary gland Testosterone Testes Oxytocin Thyroxine