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Important endocrine glands and exocrine glands and their function?
The endocrine system regulates vital processes in the body including growth, metabolism, and sexual development. This system is comprised of several major endocrine glands. These glands secrete hormones into the blood. Once in the blood, the hormones travel along the cardiovascular system until they reach their target cells. Only cells with specific receptors for a certain hormone will be influenced by that hormone. Hormones control various cellular activities including growth; development; reproduction; energy use and storage; and water and electrolyte balance. Both the endocrine system and the nervous system are responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. These systems help to maintain a constant internal environment in response to environmental changes.

Endocrine glands secrete right into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands use ducts to carry their secretions to different places. The major glands of the endocrine system are the pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, thymus, ovaries, and testes. There are also other organs in the body that have secondary endocrine functions. These organs include the heart, liver, and kidneys. The pancreas is a soft organ located near the stomach and small intestines. It is both an exocrine gland and an endocrine gland. The exocrine portion of the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes that are carried by a duct to the small intestines. The endocrine segment of the pancreas produces the hormones glucagon and insulin. Glucagon raises blood sugar levels, while insulin lowers blood sugar levels and stimulates the metabolism of glucose, protein, and fat.


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