Hormones allow us to develop and survive over time, as they modulate all the physiological processes of our body. Discover the glands that produce and release them.
The endocrine system is a term that refers to theset of organs that synthesize hormones and release them directly into the blood, so that they reach the tissues and target organs throughout the body. The hormonal compounds released by this system are a group of chemical messengers, which also includes neurotransmitters and pheromones. It is necessary to make a distinction between all these concepts, but sometimes it is difficult even for the professionals in the field.
The endocrine glands of the human body help control many functions of the body, with growth, development, metabolism and reproductive capacity being some of the most important. The hormonal complex defines us both as a species and as individuals because, for example, the amount of hair present in the body, the development of secondary sexual characteristics and even growth are conditioned by these chemicals.
When we talk about body glands, sweat glands, salivary glands and many others come to mind, which are more “directly observable”, because we come into contact with their products during the day to day. The truth is that the glandular complex hides many more secrets: stay with us and find out everything about the 9 types of glands of the human body.
- We recommend you read: “The 8 differences between hormones and neurotransmitters”
What are the types of glands in the human body?
It is necessary to clarify that, when we speak of human glands and the endocrine system, we are referring to the endocrine glands. These are those thatpour hormones (messenger substances) without an excretory duct, directly into the blood capillariestag. Thus, the hormonal compounds travel in the blood to the target tissue or organ, which responds accordingly. These are the basics of the endocrine system:
- The endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream. His place of action is at a point more or less far from the place of production.
- These hormones modulate growth and development, mood, the way organs function, metabolism, and reproduction.
- The endocrine system regulates the amount of hormones released based on their concentration already present in the blood or on certain parameters.
Stress, prolonged infections, changes in body osmotic balance and even carcinogenic processes can greatly disrupt the hormone concentrations in the patient’s body. Both an excess and a defect of them can generate pathologies.
Once all this has been clarified, it is necessary to clarify that we are not going to delve much into the exocrine glands, that is, those that discharge through a duct directly onto the lumen of another organtag. These synthesize chemical substances such as enzymes, not hormones as such, so their study is more relevant in the exploration of the specific system of which they are a part (such as the salivary glands with the digestive system, for example). Now yes, we tell you the 9 types of glands of the human body and their particularities: do not miss it.
1. Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is a region of the brain that is part of the diencephalon and is located below the thalamus. It produces various hormones and neuropeptides, factors that act directly on the pituitary gland and regulate its hormonal secretion.
Within the group of hormones produced by the hypothalamus, antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin are particularly noteworthy. The former, also known as vasopressin, controls water reabsorption by concentrating urine and reducing its volume.
On the other hand, oxytocin activates behaviors at a mechanical level in specific organs such as the uterus and the breasts, but it also influences behavior, due to its action in certain areas of the brain. Many know it as the “hormone of love”, since itplays essential roles in social relationships and human feelings .
- We recommend you read: “The 50 main types of hormones (and what they are for)”
2. Pituitary
The pituitary gland is an internal secretion gland that is at the base of the skull and is responsible for controlling the activity of other glands and regulating certain functions of the body, such as physical development or sexual activity.
As we have said, this pea-sized endocrine gland is modulated by neuropeptides produced in the hypothalamus. Hormonal substances as important as growth hormone (its deficit causes dwarfism) and prolactin (stimulates milk production) are produced here.
3. Thyroid gland
An endocrine gland located in the neck of the nut, under the thyroid cartilage, resting on the trachea. It is made up of 3 lobes, which gives the glandular conglomerate a butterfly shape weighing about 15-30 grams.This gland uses the iodine obtained in the diet to synthesize 2 key hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)
These compounds play essential roles in various processes, such as regulating the rate at which calories are burned, heart rate, body temperature, muscle contraction, and cell replacement rate, among many other things.
4. Parathyroid glands
They are 4 endocrine glands the size of a grain of rice, located in the neck, behind the thyroid gland. Mostly, these structures control the calcium in our bodies, the amount of calcium in our bones, and the amount of blood. Thanks to this modulation, processes such as the transmission of electrical energy in the nervous system and muscle movement are carried out correctly, as well as proper bone development and other things.
5. Adrenal glands
The adrenal glands are small glands on top of each kidney. They produce hormones essential for life, including those included in . Apart from gender-related processes, they are especially known for modulating the stress response, through the synthesis of corticosteroids and catecholamines (surely in this category you sound adrenaline).
6. Pineal gland
A tiny endocrine gland found in the brain of vertebratestag. It produces melatonin (a hormone derived from serotonin) that affects the modulation of rest patterns and circadian rhythms, both daily and seasonally. In addition to routine cycles in living beings, melatonin is a hormone with a strong effect on gonadal action, as well as oncostatic, geroprotective (therapeutic agent that prevents excessive aging) and antioxidant.
7. Ovaries
The ovaries, in addition to being endocrine glands, are responsible for human existence, as they synthesize and release an egg each month during the reproductive life of women. In addition to this key function,they also secrete various female hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone .
Particularly noteworthy is progesterone, the quintessential regulatory hormone of the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy and embryogenesis. It is sometimes called the “pregnancy hormone”, as its changes in concentrations modulate the gestation process and the onset of labor, among other things.
8. Testicles
Part of the male hormones, usually known as androgens, are produced in the testicles. The most important of all is testosterone, which stimulates sperm production and male sexual differentiation. This hormone is not only synthesized in humans, it is also present in other mammals, birds and even reptiles and other vertebrates.
9. Exocrine glands
While we have introduced you to the glands that are part of the endocrine system, you should keep in mind that there are many more bodies with a secretory nature within our body. Although it is in a cursory way, we present a final list with some of the most important exocrine glands in our body:
- Sweat glands: secrete sweat to the outside. The sweat glands form, together with the sebaceous glands, hair follicles and nails, the so-called cutaneous annexes.
- Lacrimal glands: lie inside the orbit above the outer portion at the top of the eye. They secrete tears, which moisten and lubricate the outer part of the eye.
- Mammary glands: make possible milk production by females during the first months of their offspring’s life.
- Digestive glands: there are many types of them and, as the name suggests, they participate in digestion.
Summary
We have made a brief tour of the (almost) infinite variability in the glandular bodies present in our body, but we have left many in the pipeline. Although we have covered the endocrine system in its entirety, the exocrine glands would give a book by themselves, as their synthesized products and functionalities are very different from most of the organs described here.
If we want you to have a general idea, this is the following: when we talk about the human endocrine system, we are referring to the endocrine glands, that is, those that pour hormones into the bloodtag. Exocrine glands, on the other hand, pour substances such as enzymes and liquids directly onto the site of interest, so their function is much more immediate (but no less important).
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.