Glands Heterocrine

Heterocrine glands are glands that secrete hormones in different concentrations depending on the time of day, day of the week and other factors.

Heterocrine glands are found in many animals and plants, including humans. They play an important role in the regulation of various physiological processes such as metabolism, growth, development, reproduction, etc.

In humans, heterocrine glands include the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, thyroid gland, ovaries and testes. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone, thyroid hormones, adrenocorticotropic hormone, gonadotropic hormones and other hormones. The adrenal glands secrete adrenaline and norepinephrine, and the thyroid gland secretes thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

The ovaries in women produce estrogens, progesterones and androgens, and the testes in men produce testosterone and other androgens. These hormones regulate many processes in the body, such as the growth and development of bones, muscles, skin, hair, nails, uterus, mammary glands, prostate, etc.

In addition, heterocrine glands also regulate the circadian rhythm, i.e. daily fluctuations in the physiological functions of the body. For example, the pituitary gland secretes the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep and wakefulness, and also affects metabolism and the immune system.

Thus, heterocrine glands play an important role in the regulation of many physiological processes and are an important element of the body’s homeostasis.

Heterocrine glands are structures responsible for secreting hormones under various environmental conditions. They differ from other types of glands in that they are able to secrete different hormones depending on the body's needs.

In human physiology, heterocrine cells are found in the pancreas (produce insulin) and in the adrenal glands (release catecholamines). A characteristic feature of heterocrine cells is the presence of secretory sections in them. For example, the islets of Langerhans contain intracapillary vesicles, which, when the gland is activated, increase their volume and release hormones.

Heterocrine organs are involved not only in endocrine processes, but also in the metabolism of hormones, their secretion and the functioning of the reproductive system