The pancreas is surrounded by the small intestine, stomach, liver, gallbladder, and spleen. The pancreas - a long, flat organ located in your abdomen - is made up of two types of glands: exocrine and endocrine. The hormones produced by your adrenal glands have several important functions.

a small amount of sex hormones called androgens.

They produce various hormones, some of which include: Your adrenal glands are located at the top of each kidney.

The pineal gland also plays a role in the regulation of female hormones, which affect the menstrual cycle and fertility. Melatonin helps regulate your sleep patterns, which are also known as circadian rhythms. Its function is not completely understood, but we do know that it secretes and regulates certain hormones, including melatonin. Your pineal gland is located deep in the center of your brain. Your hypothalamus influences a number of your body’s functions, including: The hypothalamus functions as a communication center for your pituitary gland, sending signals and messages to the pituitary to produce and release hormones that trigger the production and release of other hormones.

The pituitary gland is often called the master gland because it controls a number of other hormone glands, including the: It’s controlled by the hypothalamus, which sits just above it. The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain, just behind the bridge of your nose. Your thyroid function is controlled by your pituitary, which is a small gland at the base of your brain. They also play a role in your brain and nerve development, muscle control, and mood. Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, heart, and digestive function. It secretes hormones that affect virtually every tissue in your body. It measures approximately two inches and has a shape similar to a butterfly. Your thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck, just below your larynx. Here are a few examples of these glands and what they do. You have glands throughout your body, all varying in size and function. They’re part of your immune system and help your body fight infection. Lymph nodes are often referred to as glands, but they’re not true glands. They do things like help regulate your body temperature, protect your skin and eyes, and even help mothers feed babies by producing breast milk. The substances released by your exocrine glands play important roles in your body. Your exocrine glands produce other substances - not hormones - that are released through ducts to the exterior of your body, such as sweat, saliva, and tears. There are also organs that contain endocrine tissue and act as glands. These hormones control a number of important functions in your body, such as: They make hormones and release them into your bloodstream. Endocrine glandsĮndocrine glands are part of your endocrine system. Endocrine and exocrine glands serve very different purposes in the body.

Adrenal gland produces