Endocrine System: How Hormones Work?

The endocrine system is composed of glands that produce hormones to affect changes in distant target organs. It is crucial in maintaining homeostasisbalancein the body. There are seven major endocrine glands scattered throughout the body: the pituitary gland, the pineal gland, the thyroid, the thymus, the pancreas, the adrenal glands and the gonads (testes or ovaries) (eight if you count the hypothalamus). All endocrine glands secrete their hormones into the bloodstream from there the hormones travel to the target organs.