At glands of the human body are bodies that are part of the system endocrine and exocrine, so that their main function is the production of hormones and the balance of metabolism for the proper functioning of the body.
Having made this consideration, the glands that are part of the endocrine system are: thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, pancreas, adrenals and sex glands (male and female).
In turn, the glands that make up the exocrine system of the human body are the glands: salivary, sweating, lacrimal, mammary and sebaceous.
Glands of the Endocrine System
Thyroid
Located in the neck, the thyroid is one of the largest glands in the human body. It acts in several vital functions such as: the production of hormones (triiodothyronine and thyroxine) and regulation of metabolism.
Thus, the malfunction of this gland can lead to diseases such as hyperthyroidism (excessive release of hormones) which accelerates metabolism and hypothyroidism (insufficient release of hormones) which decreases the body's metabolic action.
parathyroids
Located in the neck, around the thyroid gland, the parathyroids are the smallest glands in the body.
Formed by four little glands, considered two pairs of thyroids (upper and lower), they act in the production of the hormone Parathormone (PTH) whose function is to regulate the amount of calcium present in the blood.
Hypophysis
Small gland, the size of a pea, the pituitary, also called "master gland”, is located in the central part of the head and has important functions such as: the control of other glands, proper functioning of the metabolism and the production of hormones (ADH and growth).
pancreas
Located behind the stomach, the pancreas is a mixed gland, as it is part of the endocrine system (production of hormones: insulin, somatostatin and glucagon) and exocrine (release of pancreatic juice) from the human body. In this way, it works on the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fat.
adrenals
At adrenal glands also called adrenal glands, the adrenals are located above the kidneys and have a triangular shape.
Responsible for releasing hormones in the body, such as cortisol, aldosterone, catecholamine and adrenaline, these glands also act in the metabolic process.
sexual glands
At Gonads or reproductive glands, are the ovaries in women and the testes in men.
In addition to producing the gametes (eggs and sperm), the reproductive sex glands are responsible for producing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries and testosterone by the testes.
Test your knowledge with exercises on the endocrine system.
Glands of the Exocrine System
Salivary glands
Located in the mouth and throat, the salivary glands (parotid, sublingual, submandibular) act in the process of food digestion through the process of production and release of saliva, since it contains the enzyme ptyalin or salivary amylase, responsible for softening food as well as keeping the mouth moist.
sweat glands
Responsible for maintaining body temperature and eliminating toxic substances, the sweat glands they are distributed under the skin and act in the production and release of sweat. Are classified into apocrine sweat glands, called “scent glands”, located in the armpits and genitals; and the eccrine sweat glands, spread throughout the body, responsible for maintaining body temperature.
Lacrimal glands
Located in the eyes, the tear glands are responsible for the production of tears, eye lubrication and inhibition of microorganism development in the region.
Mammary Glands
Exclusively from mammals, the mammary glands are present in both sexes, however, in women after puberty they continue to develop in order to fulfill their main function: milk production to feed the newborns.
Sebaceous Glands
Responsible for the protection, flexibility and lubrication of the skin, the sebaceous glands, spread throughout the body, release the tallow (fat), an oily substance present largely on the face and scalp. For this reason, hair becomes oily when we go days without washing it.
Liver
The largest gland in the human body, the liver functions as a mixed gland, thus acting on the endocrine (releases substances into the blood) and exocrine (release of secretions) systems. It has several functions such as storage of substances (minerals and vitamins), production of bile, synthesis of cholesterol and hormones.
Also read about: Endocrine Glands
