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The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is an endocrine gland about the size of a pea. It produces melatonin, a derivative of serotonin, a hormone that affects wake/sleep patterns and seasonal functions. The pineal gland is a small, pine-cone shaped endocrine gland in the brain. It secrets hormones that put the pituitary gland into action.
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The hypothalamus is located in the brain and links the nervous and endocrine systems to each other. Organs of the Endocrine System Hypothalamus Endocrine glands do not have ducts they secrete hormones directly into the blood stream. Exocrine glands have ducts or channels which secrete chemicals such as saliva or sweat. Glands are a group of cells that produce and release hormones directly into our blood stream in a process called secretion. Lab tests are used to diagnose and manage health conditions caused by imbalances in hormones and chemicals. Using chemicals, our endocrine system regulates a number of functions including our metabolic rate, growth rate, and how our body develops. Together, these glands make dozens of chemical messengers called hormones and release them directly into the blood stream that surrounds the glands. The endocrine system is made of 9 major glands located throughout our body. Hormones usually work more slowly than nerves, but can have longer lasting effects. While our nervous system uses electrical impulses, the endocrine system uses chemicals called hormones. The endocrine system is one of two systems that control and coordinate many functions to keep our bodies working in balance, called homeostasis.