endocrine glands

endocrine glands
ductless organs that secrete specific substances (hormones) that are released directly into the circulatory system and influence metabolism and other body processes. The endocrine glands include the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands, the pancreatic islets, the pineal body, and the gonads. See also under system, and see Plate 17. Called also glandulae endocrinae [TA] and ductless g's.

PLATE 17 THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS


Medical dictionary. 2011.

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Endocrine glands — are glands that secrete their product, (hormones), directly into the blood rather than through a duct. This group contains the glands of the Endocrine system. The main Endocrine glands include the pituitary gland, the pancreas,the ovaries, the… …   Wikipedia

  • endocrine glands — n. (Medicine) glands of the endocrine system that have no ducts and their secretions are absorbed directly into the bloodstream …   English contemporary dictionary

  • endocrine glands — Ductless glands which produce internal hormonal secretions that are released directly into the blood or hemolymph; see exocrine glands …   Dictionary of invertebrate zoology

  • Endocrine disease — Classification and external resources Major endocrine glands. (Male left, female on the right.) 1. Pineal gland 2. Pituitary gland 3. Thyroid gland 4. Thymus 5. Adrenal gland 6. Pancreas 7 …   Wikipedia

  • endocrine gland — n a gland (as the thyroid or the pituitary) that produces an endocrine secretion called also ductless gland, gland of internal secretion * * * a gland that manufactures one or more hormone and secretes them directly into the bloodstream (and not… …   Medical dictionary

  • endocrine system, human — ▪ anatomy Introduction  group of ductless glands (gland) that regulate body processes by secreting chemical substances called hormones (hormone). Hormones act on nearby tissues or are carried in the bloodstream to act on specific target organs… …   Universalium

  • endocrine system — Group of ductless glands that secrete hormones necessary for normal growth and development, reproduction, and homeostasis. The major endocrine glands are the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, islets of Langerhans, adrenals, parathyroids, ovaries …   Universalium

  • Endocrine system — In physiology, the endocrine system is a system of glands, each of which secretes a type of hormone directly into the bloodstream to regulate the body. The endocrine system is in contrast to the exocrine system, which secretes its chemicals using …   Wikipedia

  • endocrine gland — noun any of the glands of the endocrine system that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream • Syn: ↑endocrine, ↑ductless gland • Derivationally related forms: ↑endocrinal (for: ↑endocrine) • Hypernyms: ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • endocrine gland — ductless gland a gland that manufactures one or more hormones and secretes them directly into the bloodstream (and not through a duct to the exterior). Endocrine glands include the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands, the ovary… …   The new mediacal dictionary

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