Glands

• Organs in the body that produce and secrete hormones.

  Glands
• Major glands include:

  • Pituitary gland
  • Adrenal gland
  • Thyroid gland
  • Pancreas
  • Reproductive organs
• ‘Master gland’

  • Controlled by hypothalamus.
  • Influences the release of hormones from other glands.


  Pituitary gland
• Regulates biological rhythms such as the sleep-wake cycle as it facilitates the release of the hormone, melatonin.


  Pineal Gland
• An important part of the ‘fight or flight’ stress response as it releases adrenaline.


  Adrenal Gland
• Controls the release of the male sex hormone, testosterone.


  Testes
• Regulates the release of oestrogen and progesterone involved in the menstrual cycle.


  Ovaries
• Chemicals that circulate in the blood and influence target organs in order to regulate bodily activity.


  Hormones
• • Produced in large amounts but disappear quickly.
  • Effects are very powerful.
  • Timing and levels of hormones are critical.
  • Too much or too little at the wrong time can can result in dysfunction of bodily systems.


  Hormones