Glandular System

The Glandular system is also a system of communication like the Central Nervous system, but it moves slower. The body is regulated by your glands, which produce hormones that chemically communicate with the other organs.

The major glands are the pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, adrenals and the gonads. In this list are also the pineal gland and the thymus gland.

The pituitary is considered the master gland because it secretes hormones to regulate hormone production in the other glands. Your pituitary gland produces at least six hormones that medical science is sure of, and maybe as many as ten hormones. Your pituitary gland is responsible for things like growth, tissue repair and your reproductive

cycle.

Your thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck. Primarily the thyroid gland controls metabolism. There are four parathyroid glands, located on the back of the thyroid and these parathyroid glands control levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

Adrenal glands are your "fight or flight" glands. There are two of them and they sit on top of each kidney. Your adrenal glands also work with your kidneys to control fluid and mineral concentrations in your body. These glands produce a hormone called adrenaline, this is the hormone that sounds the alarm so your whole body can be ready for action. Adrenaline makes your heart race, your blood pressure go up and your breathing rate go way up. Adrenaline is the hormone that most people associate with the adrenal glands, but they produce about 50 different hormones and hormone-like substances. Your adrenal glands are SO important.

"Sweets for the Sweet:" Your pancreas is part of your digestive system, but it also produces insulin, which regulates your blood sugar levels. When you overindulge in refined sugar, you stress your pancreas.