Major Endocrine Glands and Systems

Vocabulary based on the anatomy and classification of endocrine glands and organs containing endocrine cells.

Hypothalamus

Primarily the seat of the Autonomic Nervous System; it is continuous with the posterior pituitary and composed of nervous tissue.

Posterior pituitary

The only endocrine gland formed from nervous tissue; it is continuous with the hypothalamus.

Glandular epithelium

The tissue type that composes all endocrine glands, with the exception of the posterior pituitary.

Major endocrine glands

A group of glands that includes the hypothalamus, pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and parathyroid glands.

Organs containing endocrine cells

A list of organs including the thymus, heart, adrenal glands, pancreas, kidney, ovaries, testes, liver, stomach, and small intestine.

Thymus

An organ containing endocrine cells that is included in endocrine charts but will be discussed at a later time.

Hormones

The secretions of endocrine glands that must be identified along with their names, abbreviations, target organs, and effects.

Target organ

One of the five key pieces of information required to be known for each endocrine gland, identifying where the hormone acts.

Five Study Requirements for Endocrine Glands

Knowledge of (1) names of the glands, (2) their secretions/hormones, (3) abbreviations, (4) target organs, and (5) effects.

Pineal gland

Identified as one of the major endocrine glands.

Thyroid gland

Identified as one of the major endocrine glands.

Parathyroid glands

Identified as major endocrine glands.

Pancreas

One of the specific organs containing endocrine cells.

Adrenal glands

Specific organs listed as containing endocrine cells.

Kidney

An organ containing endocrine cells, listed alongside the stomach and small intestine.