IMPORTANT GLANDS AND HORMONES

PITUITARY GLAND

The Pituitary Gland lies just below the brain. It is called the Master Gland as it secretes many hormones which activate several other glands. 

Hormones Secreted by Pituitary Gland are :

• THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE  (TSH ) : It helps in stimulating the  thyroid gland in secreting its T3 and T4 hormones .

• GROWTH HORMONE (GH) :  It acts on bones, cartilage and muscles to promote the growth of the tissues.

• FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH ) : It regulates the development, growth, pubertal maturation, and reproductive processes of the body. 

• LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH) : It works upon endocrine cells in the gonads to produce androgens in human body .

• ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE (ADH) : It regulates water balance and blood pressure in the body .

• OXYTOCIN : It is secreted during delivery in females  to increase the   uterine contractions and therefore to help the baby’s birth .

• PROLACTIN : It helps in regulating the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands in females.

THYROID GLAND 

The Thyroid Gland is attached to wind pipe. It controls the metabolism rate of carbohydrates, fats & proteins. It is one of the largest endocrine glands. Its deficiency causes Goiter which result in enlargement of the  neck.

Hormones Secreted by Thyroid Gland are :

• CALCITONIN : It helps in maintaining the level of Calcium in Blood.

• THYROXIN : This hormone is secreted by the thyroid gland into the bloodstream. It plays a crucial role in heart and digestive function, metabolism, brain development, bone health, and muscle control. 

PARATHYROID GLAND 

It is located in the thyroid gland. It helps in bone metabolism .

 Hormone Secreted by Thyroid Gland is :

• PARATHORMONE : It regulates Calcium and Phosphate level in the blood .

ADRENAL GLAND

It lies above Kidney and it is also called gland of emergency . It regulates heart rate , blood pressure and breathing and it is generally released in excitement and anger . 

Hormones Secreted by adrenal Gland are :

• ADRENALINE : It is released during the emergency situations such as in regulating the rate of heart beat and blood pressure . 

• CORTICOSTEROIDS :  It stimulates the formation of glucose and  reduce the action of the immune system.

PANCREAS GLAND

It is located in the abdominal cavity behind the stomach. It is also called mixed gland because it produces not only endocrine secretions but also produces exocrine secretions . It produces 3 pancreatic enzymes i.e. trypsin and chymotrypsin  for the digestion of proteins , amylase for the digestion of carbohydrates and lipase to break down fats.

Hormones Secreted by pancreas Gland are :

• INSULIN :  It reduces level of Glucose in the blood.

• GLUCAGON : It normalizes blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of stored glucose from the liver.

THYMUS GLAND

 It is situated at lower neck.

Hormone Secreted by Thyroid Gland is :

• THYMUS : It helps in the development of immune system.

PINEAL GLAND

It is located in brain . It is the smallest gland in human body .

Hormone Secreted by Thyroid Gland is :

• MELATONIN : It regulates circadian rhythm i.e. wake-sleep cycle of the body.

LIVER

It is the largest gland in human body . 

It Secretes :

BILE JUICE : It is stored in gall bladder . It is responsible for digestion of lipids in small intestine .