Which endocrine gland is present in males but not in females

The endocrine system is the name for the glands that produce hormones in a person’s body. These glands include the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland. The endocrine system produces hormones such as insulin, estrogen, testosterone, and adrenaline. The endocrine system There are several different glands that make up the endocrine system. These glands produce and send hormones into the bloodstream, where they travel to different tissues in the body. If the glands do not function properly and produce incorrect amounts of hormones, a person can develop certain disorders of the endocrine system. This article discusses the endocrine system, its functions, the different glands present in the system, and certain endocrine disorders and diseases. Share on Pinterest Graiki/Getty Images Hormones are chemical messengers that Certain glands throughout the body make these hormones. The endocrine system is the name for this collection of glands. The hormones that the endocrine system creates play a role in the • respiration • metabolism • reproduction • sensory perception • movement • sexual development • growth Hormones can travel to all areas of the body. However, they only target cells that have compatible receptors. These cells are equipped to respond to the hormone and carry out certain functions when they come in contact with the hormone. Hormones act by binding to certain receptors within cells. When a hormone binds to a receptor, the receptor then carries out the ho...

Overview What is prolactin? Prolactin (also known as lactotropin and PRL) is a hormone that’s responsible for lactation, certain Most of your prolactin comes from your pituitary gland. It makes and releases (secretes) the hormone. Your Your central • Nipple stimulation. • Exercise. • Stress. How does prolactin affect my body? Prolactin contributes to hundreds of bodily functions, but its two main functions include: • The development of mammary glands within breast tissues and milk production. • Prolactin’s role in mammary gland development and milk production During pregnancy, the hormones prolactin, estrogen and progesterone stimulate breast tissue development and milk production. Prolactin promotes the growth of a certain type of breast tissue called mammary alveoli, which are the components of the mammary gland where the production of milk occurs. Prolactin also stimulates the breast alveolar cells to create milk components, including: • Lactose (the carbohydrate component of milk). • Casein (the protein component of milk). • Lipids (components that provide energy, essential fatty acids and cholesterol). Prolactin’s role in lactation and breastfeeding (chestfeeding) After delivery of your baby, progesterone levels drop, which increases the number of prolactin receptors on the mammary alveolar cells. This allows for milk secretion through your nipple, commonly known as lactation. After delivery, prolactin levels don’t remain constantly elevated. Prolactin levels will onl...

Adrenal glands Located on top of each kidney, the adrenal glands make hormones that help regulate metabolism, the immune system, blood pressure and other important functions. Although small, these glands control much of what happens in the body. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) refers to a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands, a pair of walnut-sized organs above the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce important hormones, including: • Cortisol, which regulates the body's response to illness or stress • Mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, which regulate sodium and potassium levels • Androgens, such as testosterone, which are male sex hormones required for growth and development in both males and females In people who have CAH, a gene change (mutation) results in a lack of one of the enzymes needed to make these hormones. The two major types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia are: • Classic CAH. This rarer, more-severe form is usually detected at birth or in early infancy. • Nonclassic CAH. This form is milder and more common. It may not be identified until childhood or early adulthood. Although there is no cure, with proper treatment, most people who have CAH. can lead full lives. Symptoms Signs and symptoms of CAH vary, depending on which gene is affected and the level of enzyme deficiency. The imbalance of hormones the body needs to function may mean too little cortisol, too little aldosterone, excess androgens or a combination of these imbalan...

Overview Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough of the hormone that plays a key role in masculine growth and development during puberty (testosterone) or enough sperm or both. You can be born with male hypogonadism, or it can develop later in life, often from injury or infection. The effects — and what you can do about them — depend on the cause and at what point in your life male hypogonadism occurs. Some types of male hypogonadism can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy. Male reproductive system The male reproductive system makes, stores and moves sperm. Testicles produce sperm. Fluid from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland combine with sperm to make semen. The penis ejaculates semen during sexual intercourse. Hypogonadism can begin during fetal development, before puberty or during adulthood. Signs and symptoms depend on when the condition develops. Fetal development If the body doesn't produce enough testosterone during fetal development, the result may be impaired growth of the external sex organs. Depending on when hypogonadism develops and how much testosterone is present, a child who is genetically male may be born with: • Female genitals • Genitals that are neither clearly male nor clearly female (ambiguous genitals) • Underdeveloped male genitals Puberty Male hypogonadism can delay puberty or cause incomplete or lack of normal development. It can hamper: • Development of muscle mass • Voice deepening • Growth o...