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 .
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TABLE 1
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Locations and Major Functions of the Endocrine Glands
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Endocrine Gland
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Location
|
Function
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Pituitary gland
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Brain
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Secretes growth hormones and regulates secretions of thyroid gland, pancreas, adrenal cortex, and gonads
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Anterior
|
|
|
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Posterior
|
Brain
|
Regulates water and salt metabolism
|
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Thyroid gland
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Throat
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Regulates metabolic rates
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Pancreas
|
Abdomen
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Secretes insulin and glucagon to regulate sugar metabolism
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Adrenal glands
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|
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Adrenal cortex
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Top of kidneys
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Affects salt and carbohydrate metabolism and inflammatory reactions
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Adrenal medulla
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Top of kidneys
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Affects sleep and emotional arousal
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Gonads
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|
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Ovaries (female)
|
Lower abdomen
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Secretes sex hormones
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Testes (male)
|
Scrotum
|
Secretes sex hormones
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Psychology: Measurement and Statistics
Psychology: Biological Bases of Behavior
