The endocrine system is a set of glands in the body that help control the body's metabolic activity by producing endocrine secretions. Although there are many glands in the endocrine system, the major glands include the pancreas, ovaries, testicles, kidneys, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal glands, pineal gland, gastrointestinal tract , the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. FunctionsHypothalamus – The hypothalamus is located in the brain. It is responsible for direct control of the entire endocrine system via the pituitary gland. Cells of the hypothalamus called neurosecretory cells secrete 7 hormones: thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), growth releasing hormone (GHRH), growth inhibiting hormone (GHIH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRh), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH). GHRH and GHIH regulate the release of growth hormone as GHRH releases it and GHIH inhibits it. CRH stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone. GnRH stimulates the release of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. hormone. THR stimulates the release of the hormone thyrotropin. Both oxytocin and ADH are transported to the posterior pituitary gland for storage and later released when needed. Pancreas – The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen. The function of the pancreas in the endocrine system is to produce two hormones called insulin and glucagon. These two hormones maintain balance (homeostasis) of blood sugar levels. The insulin produced allows the glucose created from the breakdown of carbohydrates to be used in cells as energy. Glucagon increases the level of glucose in the blood. Ovaries – Located in front of the ureters in a woman...... middle of paper ......causes the thyroid to produce thyroxine and triiodothyroninia.2) Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACHT) which is responsible for stimulating the adrenal cortex. This then means that the outer part of the adrenal cortex is stimulated and produces its hormones.3) Prolactin (PRL) which is responsible for stimulating the mammary glands located in the breasts to produce milk.4) Human growth hormone (HGH) which affects many target cells and stimulates their reproduction, growth and repair.5) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which is responsible for the stimulation of follicular cells present in the gonads. This encourages either the testes to produce sperm or the ovaries to produce eggs. 6) Luteinizing hormone (LH) is also responsible for stimulating the gonads. However, this hormone stimulates them to create sex hormones – estrogen in women and testosterone in men...