4. Endocrine glands and other hormones

As we have seen in previous theories, testosterone is the hormone secreted by the endocrine gland testes.

 

At the same time, estrogen is the hormone that is secreted by the endocrine gland ovaries. The pituitary gland is also an endocrine gland attached to the brain that secretes hormones that stimulate the ovary and testis to produce sex hormones.
 
There is the presence of hormones other than sex hormones. Apart from the pituitary gland, other endocrine glands present are the thyroid, adrenal, pineal, and adrenals.

 

It is an endocrine gland attached at the base of the brain, which is about the size of a pea. The pituitary gland is present inside the skull and is called the master gland as it monitors and regulates the functions of other glands.

It secretes the growth hormone that controls the growth of an individual. It also secretes prolactin that stimulates the production of milk.

 

It is an endocrine gland that is present at the front of the neck. It is attached to the trachea and secretes thyroid hormones - triiodothyronine (\(T3\)) and thyroxine hormone (\(T4\)).

A deficiency of iodine in the diet may cause a deficiency in T4 production. Lack of T4 hormone results in goitre, a disease of the thyroid gland. Goitre causes a swollen and bulging neck.

 

Iodised salt provides the needed iodine for the thyroid gland to secrete the \(T4\) hormone.

 

Insulin maintains and controls blood glucose levels. The deficiency of insulin in the body causes a disease called diabetes. Pancreas also secrete a hormone called glucagon. Glucagon prevents the insulin level from getting too low in the body.

 

Adrenal glands are present above the kidneys, which secretes adrenaline. Adrenaline hormone helps manage stress and emergencies like danger, surprise, shock, anger, fear, danger, and excitement.

 

The hormone increases the blood sugar levels, increases the breathing rate and the heart rate, enhances the blood supply to the muscles, and dilates the pupils.
 
The hormone is released during emergencies, thus producing a lot of energy in the body during emergencies. Adrenal glands also produce aldosterone hormone that maintains the correct balance of salt in the blood. The adrenal glands secrete hormones when it receives orders from the pituitary gland through its hormones.