How do hormones function

It's shaped like a bow tie or butterfly. These hormones control the rate at which cells burn fuels from food to make energy. The more thyroid hormone there is in the bloodstream, the faster chemical reactions happen in the body. Thyroid hormones are important because they help kids' and teens' bones grow and develop, and they also play a role in the development of the brain and nervous system.

Parathyroids: Attached to the thyroid are four tiny glands that work together called the parathyroids pronounced: par-uh-THY-roydz. They release parathyroid hormone, which controls the level of calcium in the blood with the help of calcitonin pronounced: kal-suh-TOE-nin , which the thyroid makes. The adrenal glands have two parts, each of which makes a set of hormones and has a different function:.

Pineal: The pineal pronounced: pih-NEE-ul body, also called the pineal gland, is in the middle of the brain. It secretes melatonin pronounced: meh-luh-TOE-nin , a hormone that may help regulate when you sleep at night and when you wake in the morning. Reproductive Glands: The gonads are the main source of sex hormones. Most people don't realize it, but both guys and girls have gonads. In guys the male gonads , or testes pronounced: TES-teez , are in the scrotum.

They secrete hormones called androgens pronounced: AN-druh-junz , the most important of which is testosterone pronounced: tess-TOSS-tuh-rone.

These hormones tell a guy's body when it's time to make the changes associated with puberty, like penis and height growth, deepening voice, and growth in facial and pubic hair. Working with hormones from the pituitary gland, testosterone also tells a guy's body when it's time to make sperm in the testes.

A girl's gonads , the ovaries pronounced: OH-vuh-reez , are in her pelvis. Estrogen is involved when a girl starts puberty. Learn about the symptoms of menopause and how you can make some changes that help you adjust to it so you can stay healthy and strong. Do you suffer from vaginal issues, like dryness or pain during intercourse?

MonaLisa Touch laser therapy might be your solution. Keep reading to learn more. Our team specializes in helping you make lifestyle changes that reduce the unpleasant symptoms. Read on to learn more. Learn more about the symptoms of dementia and what you can do about them. Skip to main content. Hormonal system endocrine.

Home Hormonal system endocrine. Hormonal endocrine system. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Exocrine glands Functions of the endocrine system How hormones work Endocrine glands and organs Problems of the endocrine system Where to get help Things to remember. Exocrine glands An exocrine gland, unlike an endocrine gland, is a gland that secretes substances electrolytes, proteins or enzymes straight to a target site via ducts or tube.

Some examples include: Salivary glands Sweat glands Sebaceous glands The pancreas. Functions of the endocrine system Some of the roles of the endocrine system include: Growth Repair Sexual reproduction Digestion Homeostasis constant internal balance. Endocrine glands and organs The main glands and organs of the endocrine system include: Pituitary gland — is inside the brain. It oversees the other glands and keeps hormone levels in check.

The pituitary gland is also connected to the nervous system through part of the brain called the hypothalamus. Thyroid gland — sits in the neck at the front of the windpipe. It releases thyroid hormone T4 and T3 which is required for metabolism and body homeostasis.

It is controlled by TSH which is produced by the pituitary gland through a feed-back loop. Parathyroid gland — there are usually four parathyroid glands which lie alongside the thyroid gland.

The parathyroid gland is involved in calcium, phosphate and vitamin D regulation. Adrenal glands — there are two adrenal glands which sit on top of each kidney. They make a number of different hormones. The outside part of the gland adrenal cortex makes cortisol, aldosterone and sex hormones. Once the hormone locks into its receptor, it transmits a message that causes the target site to take a specific action.

Hormone receptors may be within the nucleus or on the surface of the cell. Ultimately, hormones control the function of entire organs, affecting such diverse processes as growth and development, reproduction, and sexual characteristics. Hormones also influence the way the body uses and stores energy and control the volume of fluid and the levels of salts and sugar glucose in the blood.

Very small amounts of hormones can trigger very large responses in the body. Although hormones circulate throughout the body, each type of hormone influences only certain organs and tissues. Some hormones affect only one or two organs, whereas others have influence throughout the body. For example, thyroid-stimulating hormone, produced in the pituitary gland Overview of the Pituitary Gland The pituitary is a pea-sized gland that is housed within a bony structure sella turcica at the base of the brain.

The sella turcica protects the pituitary but allows very little room for expansion The two halves lobes of the gland are connected Insulin , secreted by the islet cells of the pancreas, affects the processing metabolism of glucose, protein, and fat throughout the body. Others are steroids, which are fatty substances derived from cholesterol.