It is controlled by the hypothalamus which secretes stimulating and inhibiting hormones, It secretes tropic hormones which control other endocrine glands, It is considered the „conductor” gland of the endocrine system

Adenohypophysis – protein hormones – human growth hormone (HGH), prolactin, Neurohypophysis – posterior lobe of hypophysis – releases the antidiuretic hormone

It stimulated protein synthesis, by introducing amino acids into cells, It ensures fat mobilisation from the adipose tissue, By stimulating protein synthesis, it accelerates body growth

The synthesis and release of thyroid hormones take place under the action of adenohypophyseal TSH, It is a tropic hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the hypophysis, TSH stimulates iodine capture by the thyroid gland

It is secreted in the absence of food intake, It is secreted by α (alpha) cells in the islets of Langerhans, It facilitates glycogenolysis in the liver

The cortex secretes glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hormones, The outermost part of the gland secretes cortisol and aldosterone, The hormones of the cortex contribute to the regulation of the mineral and energy balance

It represents the innermost part of the adrenal gland, It secretes hormones with complementary action to that of the sympathetic nervous system, Its hormones are represented by adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine)

Somatotropic hormone (STH) stimulates body growth, Thyroid hormones, amine hormones can be synthesized only when food contains a proper iodine contents, Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a tropic hormone and stimulates testicular interstitial cell maturation, Glucocorticoids are represented mainly by cortisol

Adrenaline and noradrenaline are involved in emergency situations („fight or flight”), Glucocorticoids regulate protein and carbohydrate metabolism, Melatonin can influence the reproductive organs, especially the ovaries

Pancreas – glucagon – glycogen breakdown in the liver, Adrenal cortex – mineralocorticoids – regulation of sodium balance, Epiphysis – melatonin – influencing the day-night cycle

Digestive endocrine cells can be located in the epithelium that lines the stomach or the small bowel, Kidney cells produce a hormone called erythropoietin which stimulates haematopoiesis, The liver, the lungs and the kidneys can secrete small amounts of prostaglandins

Parathormone hypersecretion – low bone density, Myxoedema – thyroxine and triiodothyronine deficiency

High number of insulin receptors – type 2 diabetes mellitus, Cretinism – defective growth, normal intellect, Parotid tumour – parathormone hypersecretion