IGCSE Biology glossary
Endocrine gland
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Definition
A ductless gland that produces hormones and secretes them directly into the blood. Examples include the pancreas (insulin, glucagon), adrenal glands (adrenaline), pituitary gland (ADH, growth hormone, FSH, LH), ovaries (oestrogen, progesterone) and testes (testosterone).
What to include in an exam answer
Endocrine glands are DUCTLESS (secrete directly into blood). Do not confuse with exocrine glands (which have ducts, e.g. Salivary glands). Know which gland produces which hormone.
Example in context
Name the endocrine gland that produces insulin and state where it is located (2 marks): The pancreas, located below the stomach in the abdomen.
Related syllabus topic
Coordination & responseRelated terms
- Homeostasis
- Negative feedback
- Tropism
- Reflex arc
- ADH
- Insulin
- Glucagon
- Adrenaline
- Synapse
- Neurone
- Sensory neurone
- Motor neurone
- Relay neurone
- Receptor
- Effector
- Cornea
- Iris
- Lens
- Retina
- Optic nerve
- Accommodation
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hormones
- Auxin
- Thermoregulation
- Vasoconstriction
- Vasodilation
- Sweating