Glands
● Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream, while
exocrine glands secrete substances through ducts to the surface of the
body or an internal organ.
● Eg. of Exocrine Glands:- sweat glands, salivary glands, mammary glands,
lacrimal glands, and sebaceous glands.
● Eg. of Endocrine Glands:- Pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands,
and pancreas .
Endocrine glands:-
● The neural system and the endocrine system jointly coordinate and
regulate the physiological functions in the body.
● Endocrine glands lack ducts and are hence called ductless glands. Their
secretions are called hormones.
● Hormones are non-nutrient chemicals which act as intercellular
messengers and are produced in trace amounts.
The Hypothalamus
● The hypothalamus is the basal part of diencephalon, forebrain and it
regulates a wide spectrum of body functions.
● It contains several groups of neurosecretory cells called nuclei which
produce hormones. These hormones regulate the synthesis and secretion
of pituitary hormones.
● However, the hormones produced by hypothalamus are of two types, the
releasing hormones (which stimulate secretion of pituitary hormones) and
the inhibiting hormones (which inhibit secretions of pituitary hormones).
● For example a hypothalamic hormone called Gonadotrophin releasing
hormone (GnRH) stimulates the pituitary synthesis and release of
gonadotrophins.
● On the other hand, somatostatin from the hypothalamus inhibits the
release of growth hormone from the pituitary.
● These hormones reach the pituitary gland through a portal circulatory
system and regulate the functions of the anterior pituitary.
● The posterior pituitary is under the direct neural regulation of the
hypothalamus .
The Pituitary Gland(Master Gland)
● The pituitary gland is located in a bony cavity called sella tursica and is
attached to hypothalamus.
Hormones produced by the pituitary:-
● Growth hormone (GH) :-
➢ Over-secretion - Abnormal growth of the body. Acromegaly is caused by
excessive growth hormone (GH) production.
➢ low secretion - dwarfism.
● Prolactin (PRL) -regulates the growth of the mammary glands and
formation of milk in them.
● Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)-TSH stimulates the synthesis and
secretion of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland.
● Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) :- ACTH stimulates the synthesis
and secretion of steroid hormones called glucocorticoids from the adrenal
cortex.
● luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) :- . LH and
FSH stimulate gonadal activity and hence are called gonadotrophins. In
males, LH stimulates the synthesis and secretion of hormones called
androgens from [Link] females, LH induces ovulation of fully mature
follicles (graafian follicles) .FSH stimulates growth and development of the
ovarian follicles in females.
● melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH):- MSH acts on the melanocytes
(melanin containing cells) and regulates pigmentation of the skin.
posterior pituitary, stores and releases two hormones called oxytocin and
vasopressin, which are actually synthesised by the hypothalamus.
● Oxytocin :-
➢ Oxytocin, often called the "love hormone" or "cuddle hormone,"
responsible for social behaviors like bonding and trust.
➢ In females, it stimulates a vigorous contraction of the uterus at the time of
child birth, and milk ejection from the mammary gland.
● Vasopressin
➢ acts mainly at the kidney and stimulates resorption of water and
electrolytes by the distal tubules. Hence, it is also called as antidiuretic
hormone (ADH).
➢ An impairment affecting synthesis or release of ADH results in a
diminished ability of the kidney to conserve water leading to water loss and
dehydration. This condition is known as Diabetes Insipidus.
➢ SIADH, or the Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion,
is a condition where the body produces or releases too much antidiuretic
hormone (ADH).
The Pineal Gland:-
● The pineal gland is located on the dorsal side of the forebrain.
● Pineal secretes a hormone called melatonin.
● Melatonin plays a very important role in the regulation of a 24-hour
(diurnal) rhythm of our body.
● For example, it helps in maintaining the normal rhythms of sleep-wake
cycle, body temperature.
● In addition, melatonin also influences metabolism, pigmentation, the
menstrual cycle as well as our defense capability.
● Serotonin
➢ as a precursor of melatonin synthesis is known to be significantly
released by pinealocytes and its receptor also is expressed in
pinealocytes.
➢ Serotonin helps in stabilizing our mood and happiness. It also has a
role in sleeping, digestion and eating.
Thyroid Gland
● located on either side of the trachea
● synthesise two hormones, tetraiodothyronine or thyroxine (T4) and
triiodothyronine (T3).
● Iodine is essential for the normal rate of hormone synthesis in the thyroid.
● Deficiency of iodine in our diet results in hypothyroidism and enlargement
of the thyroid gland, commonly called goitre.
● Hypothyroidism during pregnancy causes defective development and
maturation of the growing baby leading to stunted growth (cretinism),
mental retardation, low intelligence quotient, abnormal skin,
deaf-mutism, etc. In adult women, hypothyroidism may cause menstrual
cycle to become irregular
● Exopthalmic goitre is a form of hyperthyroidism, characterised by
enlargement of the thyroid gland, protrusion of the eyeballs, increased
basal metabolic rate, and weight loss, also called Graves’ disease.
● Thyroid hormones control the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and
fats. Maintenance of water and electrolyte balance is also influenced by
thyroid hormones.
● Thyroid gland also secretes a protein hormone called thyrocalcitonin
(TCT) which regulates the blood calcium levels.
● Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause
hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid.
Parathyroid Gland
The parathyroid glands secrete a peptide hormone called parathyroid hormone
(PTH). The secretion of PTH is regulated by the circulating levels of calcium ions.
Thymus
● located between lungs behind sternum on the ventral side of aorta.
● The thymus plays a major role in the development of the immune system.
● This gland secretes the peptide hormones called thymosins.
● Thymosins play a major role in the differentiation of T-lymphocytes, which
provide cell-mediated immunity.
● In addition, thymosins also promote production of antibodies to provide
humoral immunity.
● Thymus is degenerated in old individuals resulting in a decreased
production of thymosins.
● As a result, the immune responses of old persons become weak.
● The gland that is most active during childhood and shrinks after puberty.
Adrenal Gland
● one pair of adrenal glands, one at the anterior part of each kidney.
● Underproduction of hormones by the adrenal cortex alters carbohydrate
metabolism causing acute weakness and fatigue leading to a disease
called Addison’s disease.
● adrenal medulla secretes hormones called and noradrenalin.
● Adrenaline and noradrenaline are rapidly secreted in response to stress of
any kind and during emergency situations and are called emergency
hormones or hormones of Fight or Flight.
● These hormones increase alertness, pupilary dilation, piloerection (raising
of hairs), sweating etc. Both the hormones increase the heart beat, the
strength of heart contraction and the rate of respiration.
● Small amounts of androgenic steroids are also secreted by the adrenal
cortex which play a role in the growth of axial hair, pubic hair and facial hair
during puberty.
Pancreas
● Pancreas is a composite gland which acts as both exocrine and
endocrine gland.
● The endocrine pancreas consists of ‘Islets of Langerhans’.
● There are about 1 to 2 million Islets of Langerhans in a normal human
pancreas representing only 1 to 2 per cent of the pancreatic tissue.
● The two main types of cells in the Islet of Langerhans are called α-cells
and β-cells.
● The α-cells secrete a hormone called glucagon, while the β-cells secrete
insulin.
● Glucagon is a peptide hormone, and plays an important role in maintaining
the normal blood glucose levels.
● Glucagon acts mainly on the liver cells (hepatocytes) and stimulates
glycogenolysis resulting in an increased blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
● Insulin is a peptide hormone, which plays a major role in the regulation of
glucose homeostasis. Insulin also stimulates conversion of glucose to
glycogen (glycogenesis) in the target cells.
● The glucose homeostasis in blood is thus maintained jointly by the two –
insulin and glucagons.
● Prolonged hyperglycemia leads to a complex disorder called diabetes
mellitus which is associated with loss of glucose through urine and
formation of harmful compounds known as ketone bodies.
● Diabetic patients are successfully treated with insulin therapy.
Testis
● produce a group of hormones called androgens, mainly testosterone.
● Androgens regulate the development, maturation and functions of the male
accessory sex organs.
● These hormones stimulate muscular growth, growth of facial and axillary
hair, aggressiveness, low pitch of voice etc.
Ovary
● produces two groups of steroid hormones called estrogen and
progesterone.
● Estrogens produce wide ranging actions such as stimulation of growth
and activities of female secondary sex organs, development of growing
ovarian follicles, appearance of female secondary sex characters (e.g.,
high pitch of voice, etc.), mammary gland development.
● Estrogens also regulate female sexual behaviour.
● Progesterone supports pregnancy.
● Progesterone also acts on the mammary glands and stimulates the
formation of alveoli (sac-like structures which store milk) and milk
secretion.
HORMONES OF HEART, KIDNEY AND GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
● Hormones are also secreted by some tissues which are not endocrine
glands. For example, the atrial wall of our heart secretes a very important
peptide hormone called atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), which decreases
blood pressure. When blood pressure is increased, ANF is secreted which
causes dilation of the blood vessels. This reduces the blood pressure.
● The juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney produce a peptide hormone called
erythropoietin which stimulates erythropoiesis (formation of RBC).
● The gastro-intestinal tract secrete four major peptide hormones, namely
gastrin, secretin, cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastric inhibitory peptide
(GIP).
➢ Gastrin acts on the gastric glands and stimulates the secretion of
hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen.
➢ Secretin acts on the exocrine pancreas and stimulates secretion of
water and bicarbonate ions.
➢ CCK acts on both pancreas and gall bladder and stimulates the
secretion of pancreatic enzymes and bile juice, respectively.
➢ GIP inhibits gastric secretion and motility.
● Ghrelin is a hormone produced byr gastro-intestinal tract . Often known as
the “hunger hormone,” ghrelin has numerous functions in addition to
telling your brain you're hungry.
● Several other non-endocrine tissues secrete hormones called growth
factors. These factors are essential for the normal growth of tissues and
their repairing/regeneration.
Q. Deficiency of which hormone is responsible for diabetes mellitus?
RRC Group D 29/08/2022 (Morning)
(a) Insulin
(b) Oxytocin
(c) Adrenalin
(d) Thyroxin
Sol.(a) Insulin.
Q. Which hormone helps the body to adjust to stress when one is very angry,
embarrassed or worried? RRC Group D 28/09/2022 (Afternoon)
(a) Adrenalin
(b) Estrogen
(c) Thyroxine
(d) Testosterone
Sol.(a) Adrenalin.
Q. Which of the following is termed as a hunger hormone as it stimulates
appetite, increases food intake and promotes fat storage?
RRB NTPC CBT - II (12/06/2022) Shift 2
(a) Insulin
(b) Resistin
(c) Leptin
(d) Ghrelin
Sol.(d) Ghrelin
Q. Human growth hormone is secreted by which gland?
RRB NTPC CBT - I (19/01/2021) Morning
(a) Thyroid gland
(b) Anterior lobe of pituitary gland
(c) Pancreas
(d) Posterior lobe of pituitary gland
Sol.(b) Anterior lobe of pituitary gland
Q. Which of the following is not a plant hormone?
RRB NTPC CBT - I (07/03/2021) Evening
(a) Ethylene
(b) Abscisic Acid
(c) Gibberellins
(d) Prolactin
Sol.(d) Prolactin
Q. Which gland is active only till puberty?
RRB JE 23/05/2019 (Evening)
(a) Pituitary
(b) Pineal
(c) Thymus
(d) Hypothalamus
Sol.(c) Thymus
Q. Which hormone protects the blood glucose from going too low?
RRB JE 28/05/2019 (Morning)
(a) Glucagon
(b) Vasopressin
(c) Oxytocin
(d) Insulin
Sol.(a) Glucagon
Q. Hormones are normally absent in
RRB JE 28/05/2019 (Afternoon)
(a) Rats
(b) Cats
(c) Bacteria
(d) Monkeys
Sol.(c) Bacteria
Q. Which of the following is required for the production of thyroxine hormone by
frogs in water bodies?
RPF Constable 18/01/2019 (Evening)
(a) lodine
(b) Uranium
(c) Iron
(d) Zinc
Sol.(a) Iodine.
Q. Growth hormones function:
RRB ALP Tier - I (17/08/2018) Morning
(a) always as growth inhibitors
(b) always as growth promoters
(c) rarely as growth promoters
(d) sometimes as growth promoters and sometimes as growth inhibitors
Sol.(d).
Q. Which of the following is not a hormone found in animals?
RRB ALP Tier - I (21/08/2018)Evening
(a) Insulin
(b) Adrenaline
(c) Thyroxin
(d) Auxins
Sol.(d) Auxins - It is found in plants that help in growth, Stem and root cell
elongation, embryonic development and flowering transition.
Q. Match the columns.
SSC CGL July 2023 Tier-1
Column-A (Disorder) Column-B (Hormone/Gland)
i. Addison's disease a. Adrenal gland
ii. Hashimoto's disease b. Thyroid gland
iii. Acromegaly c. Growth hormone
iv. SIADH d. Vasopressin
(a) i-a, ii-b, iii-c, iv-d
(b) i-d, ii-c, iii-b, iv-a
(c) i-b, ii-c, iii-a, iv-d
(d) i-b, ii-a, iii-d, iv-c
Ans: a
Q. Glucagon, a peptide hormone, is produced by the
SSC CGL 20/08/2021(Afternoon)
(a) pancreas
(b) hypothalamus
(c) adrenals
(d) pituitary glands
Ans: a
Q. The Atrial wall of the human heart secretes a very important peptide
hormone. What is the name of that hormone?
SSC CHSL 12/10/2020 (Morning)
(a) ADH
(b) CCK
(c) ANF
(d) GIP
Ans: c
Q. Which of the following hormones is known to be helpful in coping with
stress?
SSC CHSL 11/07/2019 (Afternoon)
(a) Serotonin
(b) Testosterone
(c) Calcitonin
(d) Melatonin
Ans: a
