What are the main glands and hormones of the endocrine system?

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands that produce and secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that regulate a wide range of bodily functions. The endocrine system works in conjunction with the nervous system to maintain homeostasis, or a stable internal environment, in the body.

The main glands of the endocrine system are:

• Hypothalamus
• Pituitary gland
• Thyroid gland
• Parathyroid glands
• Adrenal glands
• Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas
• Gonads (ovaries and testes)

Each gland produces and secretes specific hormones, which are released into the bloodstream and carried to target cells throughout the body. Some of the main hormones produced by these glands include:

• Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) from the thyroid gland, which regulate metabolism and energy production
• Insulin and glucagon from the pancreas, which regulate blood sugar levels
• Cortisol from the adrenal glands, which regulates stress response and metabolism
• Testosterone and estrogen from the gonads, which regulate reproductive function and secondary sex characteristics