OTHER ENDOCRINE GLANDS

OTHER ENDOCRINE GLANDS:

1. PINEAL GLAND

• Located in the brain, it regulates sleep-wake cycles.

• Melatonin – Controls circadian rhythm and induces sleep. Secretion increases in darkness and decreases in light.

2. THYMUS GLAND

• Located behind the sternum, it plays a vital role in immunity, especially in childhood.

• Thymosins – Stimulate the development and differentiation of T-lymphocytes (T-cells), essential for immune response.

• Shrinks after puberty as its function declines.

3. GONADS (TESTES AND OVARIES)

A. TESTES (Male reproductive glands)

• Testosterone – Develops male secondary sexual characteristics, supports sperm production, and maintains muscle mass and bone density.

B. OVARIES (Female reproductive glands)

• Estrogen – Regulates menstrual cycle, promotes female secondary sexual characteristics, and supports reproductive health.

• Progesterone – Maintains pregnancy, supports uterine lining, and regulates menstrual cycle.

4. PLACENTA (Temporary endocrine gland during pregnancy)

• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) – Maintains pregnancy by supporting the corpus luteum and preventing menstrual cycles.

• Estrogen and Progesterone – Support fetal development and prepare the body for childbirth.

5. KIDNEYS (Have endocrine function)

• Erythropoietin (EPO) – Stimulates red blood cell production in response to low oxygen levels.

• Renin – Helps regulate blood pressure by controlling sodium and water balance.

• Calcitriol (Active Vitamin D) – Enhances calcium absorption in the intestine and maintains bone health.

6. HEART (ATRIAL NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE - ANP)

• ANP – Lowers blood pressure by promoting sodium excretion and reducing fluid retention.

7. GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT (DIFFUSE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM)

• Gastrin – Stimulates acid secretion in the stomach for digestion.

• Secretin – Stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate for neutralizing stomach acid.

• Cholecystokinin (CCK) – Stimulates bile secretion and enzyme release for fat digestion.