Endocrine gland

One of a set of internal organs involved in the secretion of hormones into the blood. The other major type of gland is the exocrine glands, which secrete substances - usually digestive juices - into the digestive tract or onto the skin.

A list of major endocrine glands:

• Pituitary gland (controlled by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain)
• Adrenal glands
• Thyroid gland
• Gonads (also function as part of the reproductive system)
• Parathyroid glands
• Pancreas (also functions in the digestive system as an exocrine gland)
• Thymus (usually considered a part of the immune system)