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Endocrine glands

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands
Brain-thyroid link
Brain-thyroid link

Definition    Return to top

Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream.

Endocrine glands include the:

Information    Return to top

When a gland releases a substance, it is called secretion. Hypersecretion is when too many hormones are released. Hyposecretion is when too few hormones are released.

Many different disorders can result when too few hormones or too many hormones are released.

Here is a partial list of disorders that may result when a particular gland does not produce the right amount of hormones.

Adrenal:

Pancreas:

Parathyroid:

Pituitary:

Testes and ovaries:

Thyroid:

References    Return to top

Gill GN, Clemmons DR. Principles of endocrinology. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 240.

Update Date: 5/2/2009

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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