ANATOMY NOTE ON
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Supported by Teach Me Anatomy
, Contents
• Introduction to Endocrine System Page. 2 - 3
• Hypothalamus Page. 4 – 8
• Pituitary gland or Hypophysis Page. 9 – 18
• Expected Questions (1) Page. 19 – 20
• Thyroid gland Page. 21 - 37
• Expected Questions (2) Page. 37 – 38
• Parathyroid gland Page. 39 – 42
• Adrenal gland or Suprarenal gland Page. 43 – 49
• Pancreas Page. 50 – 60
• Expected Questions (3) Page. 61 - 63
1
, Introduction to Endocrine System
• The endocrine system consists of: Glands located throughout the body; Hormones
made by the glands and released into the bloodstream or the fluid surrounding
cells; and receptors in various organs and tissues that recognize and respond to the
hormones.
• Endocrine glands are the one without ducts.
• Most of endocrine glands are separate but some may be seen, in combination with
exocrine glands, staying as “mixed organ”.
Figure. Difference between endocrine gland and exocrine gland
Note
• Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream without duct,
influencing various bodily functions, while exocrine glands secrete substances
through ducts to body surfaces or internal organs, such as sweat, saliva, or
digestive enzymes.
• A "mixed gland" is a gland that performs both endocrine and exocrine functions,
meaning it secretes hormones into the bloodstream and substances (like enzymes)
into ducts or onto epithelial surfaces. The pancreas is a well-known example of a
mixed gland.
2
, • Endocrine glands influence reproduction, metabolism, growth and many other
functions.
• Many parts of body secrete hormones.
• Major glands that involve in endocrine system are: hypothalamus, pituitary
gland, pineal body, thyroid and parathyroid glands, thymus, pancrea s, adrenal,
testes and ovaries. (10 organs)
Figure. Major Organs of Endocrine System
3
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Supported by Teach Me Anatomy
, Contents
• Introduction to Endocrine System Page. 2 - 3
• Hypothalamus Page. 4 – 8
• Pituitary gland or Hypophysis Page. 9 – 18
• Expected Questions (1) Page. 19 – 20
• Thyroid gland Page. 21 - 37
• Expected Questions (2) Page. 37 – 38
• Parathyroid gland Page. 39 – 42
• Adrenal gland or Suprarenal gland Page. 43 – 49
• Pancreas Page. 50 – 60
• Expected Questions (3) Page. 61 - 63
1
, Introduction to Endocrine System
• The endocrine system consists of: Glands located throughout the body; Hormones
made by the glands and released into the bloodstream or the fluid surrounding
cells; and receptors in various organs and tissues that recognize and respond to the
hormones.
• Endocrine glands are the one without ducts.
• Most of endocrine glands are separate but some may be seen, in combination with
exocrine glands, staying as “mixed organ”.
Figure. Difference between endocrine gland and exocrine gland
Note
• Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream without duct,
influencing various bodily functions, while exocrine glands secrete substances
through ducts to body surfaces or internal organs, such as sweat, saliva, or
digestive enzymes.
• A "mixed gland" is a gland that performs both endocrine and exocrine functions,
meaning it secretes hormones into the bloodstream and substances (like enzymes)
into ducts or onto epithelial surfaces. The pancreas is a well-known example of a
mixed gland.
2
, • Endocrine glands influence reproduction, metabolism, growth and many other
functions.
• Many parts of body secrete hormones.
• Major glands that involve in endocrine system are: hypothalamus, pituitary
gland, pineal body, thyroid and parathyroid glands, thymus, pancrea s, adrenal,
testes and ovaries. (10 organs)
Figure. Major Organs of Endocrine System
3
