The anterior lobe is made of secretory epithelial cells and can be recognized by the presence of glandular epithelium. Both parts have a fairly rich network of sinusoid capillaries that pick up secreted hormones. The pituitary has two parts or lobes, the anterior pituitary (a.k.a adenohypophysis) and a posterior pituitary (a.k.a neurohypophysis.) The two parts of the pituitary have different origins, are made of different tissues and look different under the microscope. The human pituitary gland is a small endocrine gland attached to the inferior surface of the brain by a thin thread of tissue called the infundibulum. In females, the two ovaries are in the pelvic cavity, while in males, the two testes are located in the scrotum.Įndocrine glands and cells are located throughout the body and play an important role in homeostasis. The pancreas is located in the upper portion of the abdomen. The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. Four small, disc-shaped parathyroid glands are embedded into the posterior side of the thyroid. The thyroid gland, located within the neck, wraps around the trachea. The pineal gland and the pituitary gland are located in the brain. The diagram below shows the endocrine glands and their localization throughout the body. The pancreas is one of these glands, where the non-endocrine function is secreting digestive enzymes to the small intestine.

Some other glands with endocrine cells have both endocrine and non-endocrine functions. The “classic” endocrine glands in the human body include the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenalĪnd pineal glands. However, this chapter covers only the glandular organs that secrete hormones as their primary function. The heart does it, fat does it, as do the stomach and intestines. Now, we know that practically every organ sends signals (hormones) to other body parts to elicit biological responses that adjust the behavior of these target organs to maintain homeostasis. The endocrine system plays a major role in this process. With the emergence of multi-cellular organisms appeared a need for communication between cells to coordinate the activities of specialized tissues for the benefit of an entire organism.

Adrenal location