Glucocorticoids stimulate carbohydrate formation from protein and fat and, thus, elevate glycogen stores and help to maintain proper blood-sugar levels. Mineralcorticoids stimulate the kidneys' convoluted tubules to re absorb more water and sodium and less potassium and, thus, help maintain blood volume and pressure. The cortical sex hormones stimulate secondary sex characteristics, especially those of the male.
The thyroid, located on the trachea below the larynx, secretes thyroxin and triiodothyronine. Called the thyroid hormones (TH), these two hormones stimulate all tissues' oxidative metabolism and help to regulate the development of the body. The thyroid also secretes calcitonin which prevents the excessive rise of calcium levels in the blood, thus, balancing the activities of the parathyroid hormone (PTH). Secreted by the parathyroids, four pea-sized organs located on the surface of the thyroid but which are both developmentally and functionally distinct from the thyroid, PTH elevates blood-calcium levels and decreases blood-phosphate levels. PTH acts on the kidneys to re absorb more calcium into the blood and excrete more phosphate, on the intestine to re absorb more calcium into the blood, and on the bones to release calcium into the blood.
Two other endocrine glands include the thymus gland and the pineal gland. The thymus, located in the neck, secretes thymosin which stimulates an increased immunologic response from lymphoid tissues. The pineal, a lobe in the roof of the rear
