Pituitary Gland

This gland is often referred to as the "master gland." It greatly influences other organs in the body, and its function is vital to the overall well-being of a person.
Location: The pituitary gland hangs from the base of the brain by a stalk and is enclosed by bone.
The pituitary gland produces several hormones. In fact, the front part of it, commonly called the anterior pituitary, produces the following types of hormones: [pituitary gland]

-Growth hormone: This hormone promotes growth in childhood. For adults, it helps to maintain healthy muscle and bone mass.

-Prolactin: In women, it stimulates milk production. In males, low levels are linked to sexual problems; however, most males make no use of the hormone.

-Adrenocorticotropic: This hormone promotes the production of cortisol, which helps to reduce stress, maintain healthy blood pressure and more.

-Thyroid-stimulating hormone: Just as the name implies, this hormone helps to regulate the body's thyroid, which is crucial in maintaining a healthy metabolism.

-Luteinizing hormone: In women, this hormone regulates estrogen. In men, it regulates testosterone.

-Follicle-stimulating hormone: Found in both men and women. It stimulates the releasing of eggs in women and helps ensure the normal function of sperm production in men.

The back part of the pituitary gland is called the posterior pituitary. It produces the following two hormones:

-Oxytocin: This hormone causes pregnant women to start having contractions at the appropriate time and also promotes milk flow in nursing mothers.

-Antidiuretic hormone: Commonly referred to as vasopressin, this hormone helps to regulate water balance in the body.

Hypothalamus
Location: The hypothalamus is located below the thalamus, just above the brainstem.

The hypothalamus is in control of pituitary hormones by releasing the following types of hormones:

- Thyrotrophic-releasing hormone
- Growth hormone-releasing hormone
- Corticotrophin-releasing hormone
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone

Thymus
Location: situated partly in the thorax, partly in the neck, and extending from the fourth costal cartilage upward, as high as the lower border of the thyroid gland.
This gland secretes hormones that are commonly referred to as humoral factors and are important during puberty. The role of these hormones is to make sure a person develops a healthy immune system.

Pineal Gland
Location: Located in the brain. It is the part of epithalamus.

The pineal gland releases melatonin, which helps the body recognize when it is time to go to sleep. Researchers continue to learn more about this gland.

Thyroid Gland
Location: The organ is situated on the anterior side of the neck, lying against and around the larynx and trachea

It produces thyroid hormones, the principal ones being triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (sometimes referred to as tetraiodothyronine (T4)). These hormones regulate the growth and rate of function of many other systems in the body. T3 and T4 are synthesized from iodine and tyrosine. The thyroid also produces calcitonin, which plays a role in calcium homeostasis.

Adrenal Gland
Location: They sit at the top of the kidneys.

Each adrenal gland has two distinct structures, the outer adrenal cortex and the inner medulla, both of which produce hormones. The cortex mainly produces cortisol, aldosterone and androgens,while the medulla chiefly produces adrenaline and noradrenaline
This gland helps to control blood sugar. In addition, also helps your body do the following:
- Promoting proper cardiovascular function
- Properly utilizing carbohydrates and fats
- Helps distribute stored fat
- Promotes healthy gastrointestinal functions

Parathyroid gland
Location: The parathyroid gland is actually a group of four small glands located behind the thyroid gland.

It secretes parathyroid hormone and cacitonin. This gland is vital to proper bone development because it helps control both calcium and phosphorous levels in the body.

Pancreas
Location: Behind the stomach

It secretes insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide which circulate in the blood. The main function of the pancreas is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Testes
Location: Present in the scrotum (dense connective tissue) outside the body.

this gland produces testosterone, which promotes the growth of the penis as a male gets older as well as facial and body hair. It also deepens the voice of a male at a certain age. Other functions of testosterone include:- Maintaining sex drive
- Promoting production of sperm
- Maintaining healthy levels of muscle and bone mass

Ovaries
Location: in the abdominal cavity

It secretes this gland produces both estrogen and progesterone, which promote the development of breasts. They also help a woman maintain healthy menstrual periods.