The organs and tissues of the human body work in perfect harmony. If an organ suffers from a disease, it may affect the functions of other organs, and this appears in the endocrine system of the human body, as the glands produce special chemicals to regulate various body functions such as metabolism, development, growth, feelings, mood, sexual functions, sleep pattern regulation, and so on. So what are the endocrine glands? What are its types and most prominent functions? Read the following lines for more details.

What are endocrine glands?

The endocrine system is defined as a network of glands that are found in separate parts of the human bodyendocrine function It is the secretion of chemicals called hormones, which are responsible for the functions of the cells and organs of the body. As for the gland, it is a member of the body, and it works to manufacture and secrete these hormones to enter the bloodstream to carry out its functions.

And if a person suffers from any endocrine disease, he may suffer from many problems that affect his quality of life, for example, he may suffer from weak bones, easy weight gain, poor metabolism and lack of energy, or high blood sugar levels. Or pregnancy problems, stress management, body development during puberty, and many other ailments.

The function of hormones secreted by the endocrine glands

Hormones, after flowing into the bloodstream, affect other organs in the body, and each of these chemicals is distinguished by targeting specific cells in the body rather than others, because it contains receptors for this hormone only. According to the sources, the number of hormones in humans reaches more than 50 hormones.

Hormones bind to their receptors that are secreted into cells like a “lock and key”, and once the link occurs, the receptors carry out the hormone’s instructions by changing the proteins in the cell, or by turning on genes that build new proteins, as the complex that consists of the hormone and the receptor works On or off vital processes in cells, tissues and organs. Examples of these vital processes are:

• Controlling blood glucose (insulin) levels.
• Reproductive organ development and function (testosterone and estradiol).
• Body growth (growth hormone).
• Energy production (thyroxine).
• Development of female reproductive organs, menstruation, pregnancy, etc. (female hormones).

Types of endocrine glands and where are they located?

Types of glands include:

• Hypothalamus: It is located in the brain, and works to secrete hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland. It also secretes hormones to control water levels, temperatures, appetite, blood pressure, and sleep.
• the pituitary gland: It is a small gland in the brain the size of a pea. It secretes hormones that control the functions of other glands, such as the thyroid and gonads.
• Pineal gland: It is also one of the glands of the brain, and it secretes the hormone melatonin, which is responsible for setting the body’s biological clock and sleep times.
• Thyroid: It is a gland located in the neck, and it secretes a hormone responsible for metabolism and energy production.
• Parathyroid glands: It consists of 4 small glands adjacent to the parathyroid gland, which is responsible for controlling calcium levels in the blood.
• Thymus: Located in the upper chest between the lungs, it produces white blood cells to fight infection.
• Adrenal glands: They are two glands, each located on top of each kidney, and are responsible for producing hormones with a role in regulating blood pressure, metabolism, and the body’s response to stress.
• Pancreas: It is located behind the stomach in the abdominal region, and has a role in digestion as well as the secretion of the hormones insulin and glucagon, which are responsible for controlling blood sugar levels.
• Testicles: They are two glands present in males, located in the scrotum, and produce testosterone, as well as sperm.
• Ovaries: They are located on both sides of the uterus in females, and secrete the hormones estrogen and progesterone along with the release of eggs.

Endocrine diseases

There are dozens of diseases that may affect any of the aforementioned endocrine glands, and among these diseases we mention the following:

• diabetes: It is one of the most common chronic diseases, and is caused by the pancreas not producing adequate amounts of insulin to control blood glucose levels.
• Thyroid diseases: Such as hyperactivity, or hypothyroidism, each with its own distinct symptoms.
• Hypogonadism (testicles): The testes do not produce sufficient amounts of testosterone, which results in sexual problems for men such as erectile dysfunction and loss of sexual desire, and it also affects muscle strength.
• PCOS: It results in menstrual disorders, abnormal hair growth, increased acne, and weight gain.
• Osteoporosis: It may affect women who suffer from poor estrogen secretion, or sometimes in men who suffer from a lack of testosterone, and it may result from hyperactivity of the parathyroid glands.

How to maintain a healthy endocrine system

Maintaining endocrine health requires following the same guidelines as maintaining the rest of the body. These tips include:

• Do regular exercise.
• Eat healthy meals and limit sugars.
• Get regular checkups and follow your doctor’s instructions if you have a family history of diabetes or other endocrine diseases.