From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
One of a set of internal organs involved in the secretion of hormones into the blood. The other major type of gland is the exocrine glands, which secrete substances - usually digestive juices - into the digestive tract or onto the skin.
A list of major endocrine glands:
- Pituitary gland (controlled by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain)
- Adrenal glands
- Thyroid gland
- Gonads (also function as part of the reproductive system)
- Parathyroid glands
- Pancreas (also functions in the digestive system as an exocrine gland)
- Thymus (usually considered a part of the immune system)
