• Hypothalamus-connects the endocrine system to the nervous system.
It is a structure within the brain which secretes the hormones – releasing hormones which than stimulate or inhibit the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland.
• Pituitary gland (hypophysis) - called the “master gland” of the endocrine system
It is a three-lobe endocrine gland: The anterior pituitary (regulates growth, stress, reproduction), intermediate lobe (secretes melanocyte-stimulating hormone) and posterior pituitary (connection to the hypothalamus).
• Pineal gland - secretes a hormone that regulates sleep cycles.
Pineal gland is located in the epithalamus and it secretes melatonin hormone that regulates circadian and seasonal cycles.
• Thymus - regulates the development and differentiation of T lymphocytes
Thymus is a lymphoid organ of the immune system where the T lymphocytes mature.
