Female Endocrine System

The **endocrine system** consists of cells, tissues and organs that secrete hormones as either a primary or secondary function. Central to this system are the endocrine glands, which are ductless and release hormones directly into the surrounding interstitial fluid. These hormones are then transported throughout the body via interstitial fluid and blood vessels. Key components of the endocrine system include the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and pineal glands. Some glands serve dual roles, both endocrine and non-endocrine. For example, the pancreas contains cells involved in digestion and also secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels. Other organs, such as the hypothalamus, thymus, heart, kidneys, stomach, small intestine, liver, skin, ovaries and testes, also contain cells with endocrine functions. Adipose tissue has also long been recognized as a hormone-producing site, and recent research has revealed that even bone tissue has endocrine capabilities. *LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS CC licensed content, Shared previously, 17.1 An Overview of the Endocrine System, Authored by: OpenStax College. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Download for free at https://cnx.org/contents/FPtK1zmh@6.12:4lDC0JfF@3/An-Overview-of-the-Endocrine-S* ## Keywords endocrine system hormones pituitary gland thyroid thymus parathyroid adrenal glands pancreas sexual men women ovaries testes hypophysis pineal gland