Hormones are secreted by the endocrine glands. Endocrine means “the internal secretion of a gland.” Another name for them is ductless glands, because they don’t send their secretions into ducts but directly into the bloodstream. Hormones are also produced by some organs such as the liver and the kidney, but most of the hormones in the body come from glands.

Each of the various hormones produces its own special effect in the body. In general, the job of the hormones is to regulate the internal activities of the body, such as growth and nutrition, the storage and use of food materials, and the reproductive processes. If the glands produce too much or not enough, a person may have an abnormal physical appearance.

Here are what some of the chief glands and hormones do in our bodies: The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces a hormone which helps in the growth, development, and metabolic processes of the body.

The pituitary gland, located at the base of the skull, has two parts. As we know, one hormone produced by one part of this gland has the job of promoting growth.

Another part of the pituitary gland produces two hormones which help control our use of water, fat, our blood pressure, and the way we regulate the heat in our body.

There are two important glands located at the upper end of each kidney. One produces a hormone called adrenalin. This hormone is related to blood pressure and reactions to emotion and emergencies. When you become excited or frightened, you produce more of this hormone.

Other glands in the body produce hormones which have to do with making you act like a boy or a girl. So you see that hormones are responsible for a great deal about you and your health.