The functions of endocrine and exocrine glands in our body

What are glands?

Glands are sac-like tissues made of secreted cells. The glands are located in secure but prominent locations of the body.

The function of the glands is to produce a certain substance that plays a role in regulating various physiological functions and body activities. Substances released by the glands can be in the form of hormones, enzymes, or fluids, each of which has an important function.

There are various glands that are assigned according to the location, type of secretion, and the organ systems that are controlled. Without secretion, health problems related to deficiency of enzymes and hormones can occur.

Various functions of the glands based on their type

Broadly speaking, there are two types of glands in the human body - namely exocrine glands (duct glands) and endocrine glands (ductless glands). Here's the difference between the two and what glands belong to them.

Exocrine glands

Exocrine glands are glands that have channels to drain secreted substances throughout the body. Most exocrine glands function to produce enzymes, but some produce non-enzyme fluids.

Some of the glands which are exocrine glands are:

Salivary Glands: These glands are located in and around the oral cavity, as well as in the throat. The function of the salivary glands is to produce saliva to help moisturize the mouth, initiate digestion, and protect teeth from decay.
Pancreas: The pancreas is located in the stomach. Its function is to secrete digestive enzymes such as amylase, trypsin, and lipase to digest carbohydrates, proteins and fats sequentially.
Sweat glands: These glands are located on the skin. When the body temperature is too hot, these glands secrete sweat to cool the body.
Sebaceous glands (oil glands): These glands are present in the skin to produce natural oil (sebum) which helps moisturize the skin and makes the skin and hair waterproof.
Lacrimal glands: These are located in the eye, slightly above and beyond the tip of the eye. These glands secrete tears that contain protein, electrolytes, and water to moisturize, nourish, and protect the surface of the eye.

Endocrine

Endocrine glands are hormone-producing glands that do not have drainage channels. The hormones it produces will be distributed through the bloodstream. Because they "hitch a ride" in the bloodstream, these hormones can reach parts of the body far from the location of these glands.

Endocrine glands consist of:

1. The pituitary gland (pituitary gland)

The pituitary gland is in the brain, just below the hypothalamus. The hormones produced by the pituitary help regulate growth, blood pressure, energy production and burning, and various functions of the body's other organs.

These glands include the anterior and posterior glands; each has a different type of secretion.

a) The anterior pituitary gland

Located at the front of the pituitary. These glands produce:

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): This hormone stimulates the production of adrenal hormones.
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH): These hormones regulate the production of estrogen and progesterone in the female body and the production of testosterone in the male body. It is located on the ovaries and testes.
Growth hormone (GH): This hormone is very important in the growth of the human body, especially in the early years. For children, this hormone helps maintain a healthy body composition. For adults, GH acts as a counterweight to fat distribution and maintains healthy bones and muscles.
Prolactin: The main function of this hormone is to stimulate milk production in women. This hormone also has different effects on sexual activity in men and women.
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): This hormone stimulates the thyroid gland to produce its own hormones, which are responsible for boosting metabolism in almost all body tissues.

b) Posterior pituitary

Located behind the front of the pituitary. These glands secrete:

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin: This hormone is produced by the kidneys to increase the absorption of water in the blood, reduce the amount of water excreted in the urine, and help store water in the body.
Oxytocin: Oxytocin signals the uterus to start the labor process. This hormone is also responsible for stimulating milk production.

2. The thyroid gland

Located in the neck and secretes thyroid hormones T3 & T4

3. Parathyroid glands

Located in the neck and secretes parathormone.

4. Adrenal glands

These glands are located in both kidneys and consist of 2 parts: the outer cortex and inner medulla.

Cortex: produces gluco-corticoid and mineralo-corticoid.
Medulla: produces nor-adrenaline, which is a neurotransmitter (flight or fight hormone).

5. Pancreas

The pancreas gland has both exocrine and endocrine functions. The pancreas produces various hormones that control the body's glucose metabolism. With endocrine function, the pancreas secretes insulin, glucagon, somatostatin.

6. The kidneys

Produces renin angiotensin which helps control blood pressure.

7. Pineal gland

These glands are located in the brain and work as the body's biological clock. The pineal gland secretes melatonin, a hormone, one of which regulates sleep and wake cycles.

8. Gonad glands

The function of the gonads is to produce sex hormones:

Testes: Produces the male hormone testosterone which gives male characteristics such as beard, muscles and others. Testosterone is secreted in large quantities in men and small amounts in women.
Ovaries: Secretes estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are produced only in women and regulate the reproductive cycle.

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