The glands of the endocrine system 5The glands of the endocrine systemThe endocrine system is vital for maintaining homeostasis in the human body. Each gland in the endocrine system produces and releases hormones that enter the bloodstream and travel to specific target organs. It is essential that this system works properly to live a full life. Endocrine system hormones are the chemical messengers that control many systems in the body. These messengers control metabolism, growth, development, sexual function, and reproduction (Boyleston, 1987). Hormones are released into the blood in a slow, long-lasting process. This allows the body's chemical balance to remain balanced for a long period of time. There are six major glands in the endocrine system. The pituitary gland is also called the master gland because its hormones influence other endocrine glands (Thibodeau, 2008). The pituitary gland is about the size of a pea divided into two separate glands. The adenohypophysis gland secretes hormones that regulate the thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands. It also secretes a growth hormone that affects bone and tissue growth and accelerates the absorption of proteins into cells. Prolation activates milk production in breastfeeding women, thyrotrophy, which causes the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, and corticotropin which causes the adrenal gland to produce its hormones(). The neurohypophysis or posterior pituitary gland releases two hormones, an antiduretic which controls the absorption of water and the hexitoxin to control the contractions of the atherum and stimulate the breast to release milk (Thibedeau, 2008). The glands of the endocrine system 6L' hypothalamus..... .middle of paper......adequate responseThe glands of the endocrine system 10by the nervous or endocrine system, or both to maintain homeostasis. Responding to conditions such as water, salt concentration, glucose level, and temperature, the hypothalamus commands the pituitary gland to release or not (Boyleston, 1987). Works Cited The Glands of the Endocrine System 14 References Boylston, A., (1987), The endocrine system: miraculous messengers. New York: Torstar. Endocrine system...hormones, (2002, June), Monkeyshines on Health and Science, p20-21, 2p, Retrieved December 13, 2009, from http://www.web.ebscohost.com.kaplan.uah.edu/ehostLittle , M., (1990), The endocrine system. New York: Chelsea. Thibodeau, G., Patton, K., (2008), Structure and function of the body. St. Louis; Elsevier.Young, J., (1994), Molecular messengers of hormones. New York: Enterprise.