The endocrine system provides organic chemicals called hormones to assist in coordinating the activities of tissues throughout the body. Hormones are made from amino acids or steroids. They are released from various endocrine organs, called glands, at specific times in precise amounts to various parts of the body.

The Endocrine System

The quarterback of the endocrine system is the pituitary gland, found below the hypothalamus in the brain. Incredibly this tiny thing — the size of a pea, weighing only 0.018 oz. or 0.5 grams— is the central coordinator of endocrine system.

The pituitary gland itself produces many of the critical hormones essential for life and growth. Growth hormone [GH], thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH], and adrenocorticotrophic hormone [ACTH] are three of the many important hormones produced by the pituitary gland.

Glands of the Endocrine System

The thyroid gland uses TSH from the pituitary to act on cells throughout the body to increase energy production. The thyroid is critical in the prenatal development of the brain and plays a role [via the parathyroids] in the regulation of calcium in the blood.

The adrenal glands are found on the top end of each of your two kidneys. The adrenals are best known for the production of adrenaline — the fight or flight hormone that gives your body the bursts of energy required in dangerous situations. In conjunction with ACTH, the adrenals have an influence over the breakdown of proteins and the release of fats and sugars into the bloodstream.

The pancreatic islets are located in the pancreas, an organ primarily concerned with producing digestive enzymes. The islets produce hormones for controlling blood sugar levels. Insulin lowers sugar levels in the blood; glucagon acts to raise it.

While little is known of the pineal gland and all its functions, one thing it does do is control your 24-hour body clock called the circadian cycle. It does this by controlling the release of melatonin throughout the day.

The sex glands are also part of the endocrine system. The female ovaries produce the hormones progesterone and estrogen. The male testes produce testosterone, the male sex hormone.

All these glands work in concert with each other and with organs throughout the body to automatically control so much of what goes on inside you.