The Endocrine

Glands
Hormones are secreted by the endocrine glands. These
glands are also called ductless glands because they do not
connect to their target tissues by tubes or ducts, but instead
secrete their hormones directly into the bloodstream, which
then carries the hormones throughout the body. The endocrine
glands include organs, such as the thyroid and adrenal
glands, whose only function is to secrete hormones. Other
organs secrete hormones in addition to their other functions.
For example, the pancreas produces many substances necessary
for digestion, as well as hormones that regulate blood
glucose levels. Other organs, such as the kidneys and heart,
have major functions that have nothing to do with hormones,
but they secrete hormones as well. Figure 3.1 shows the location
of the endocrine glands in the human body. This chapter
will briefly examine each organ that produces hormones. Later
chapters will look at the processes controlled by hormones in
more detail.

From : The Endocrine System.2009. Rushton,Lynette.Infobase Publishing