Psychology: Endocrine System

Endocrine System

Communication from the brain is sent to the rest of the body by the endocrine system as well as by the nervous system. The endocrine system is a series of glands throughout the body that secrete chemicals (hormones) into the bloodstream; hormones, in turn, affect body functions. The endocrine glands, their locations, and their major functions are given in Table 1 .

TABLE 1

Locations and Major Functions of the Endocrine Glands

Endocrine Gland	Location	Function
Pituitary gland	Brain	Secretes growth hormones and regulates secretions of thyroid gland, pancreas, adrenal cortex, and gonads
Anterior
Posterior	Brain	Regulates water and salt metabolism
Thyroid gland	Throat	Regulates metabolic rates
Pancreas	Abdomen	Secretes insulin and glucagon to regulate sugar metabolism
Adrenal glands
Adrenal cortex	Top of kidneys	Affects salt and carbohydrate metabolism and inflammatory reactions
Adrenal medulla	Top of kidneys	Affects sleep and emotional arousal
Gonads
Ovaries (female)	Lower abdomen	Secretes sex hormones
Testes (male)	Scrotum	Secretes sex hormones