Endocrine system
Endocrine system
The hormone-secreting glands and where each one sits.
33 structures
Abdomen
15Adrenal (suprarenal) gland
Two endocrine tissues beside the upper kidney
GlandAdrenal cortex
Steroid-producing layers outside the adrenal medulla
GlandAdrenal medulla
Chromaffin cells linking sympathetic nerves to blood
GlandInferior suprarenal artery
The usual renal-arterial contribution to the adrenal
VesselLeft suprarenal vein
The principal adrenal tributary of the left renal vein
VesselMiddle suprarenal artery
An aortic contribution to the adrenal vascular network
VesselPancreatic alpha cell
An islet cell that signals hepatic glucose release
GlandPancreatic beta cell
The endocrine cell that releases insulin with C-peptide
GlandPancreatic delta cell
A local somatostatin regulator within the islet
GlandPancreatic islets (of Langerhans)
Vascular endocrine clusters within the pancreas
GlandRight suprarenal vein
A short adrenal connection usually entering the cava
VesselSuperior suprarenal arteries
Small branches approaching the adrenal from above
VesselZona fasciculata
The broad cortisol-producing cortical layer
GlandZona glomerulosa
The outer cortex that adjusts mineralocorticoid output
GlandZona reticularis
The inner cortical network supplying androgen precursors
GlandPelvis
4Corpus luteum
The postovulatory source of progesterone
GlandLeydig (interstitial) cells
Interstitial steroidogenic cells of the testis
GlandOvarian follicle
The oocyte and its hormone-producing support cells
GlandSertoli cells
The seminiferous support cells and barrier-forming epithelium
GlandHead & neck
14Adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary)
Glandular pituitary tissue controlled through portal blood
GlandHypophyseal portal system
Vessels carrying hypothalamic signals to the anterior pituitary
VesselInferior parathyroid gland
Calcium-regulating gland with a variable migration endpoint
GlandInferior thyroid artery
Thyrocervical branch with variable laryngeal nerve relations
VesselInfundibulum (pituitary stalk)
Neural and vascular connection between hypothalamus and pituitary
GlandIsthmus of the thyroid
Variable bridge of thyroid tissue across the upper trachea
GlandNeurohypophysis (posterior pituitary)
Hypothalamic axons releasing vasopressin and oxytocin
GlandPineal gland
Epithalamic source of the nightly melatonin signal
GlandPituitary gland (hypophysis)
Sellar endocrine organ linking brain signals to hormone output
GlandPyramidal lobe of the thyroid
Optional superior extension of functioning thyroid tissue
GlandSuperior parathyroid gland
Fourth-pouch endocrine gland usually behind the upper thyroid
GlandSuperior thyroid artery
Upper thyroid supply arising near the carotid bifurcation
VesselThyroid gland
Anterior neck follicles producing thyroid hormones
GlandThyroid ima artery
Variable pretracheal artery supplying the lower thyroid
Vessel