FMA138891 3D mesh
Pituitary gland
A master neuroendocrine gland at the base of the brain (housed in the sella turcica) that secretes hormones regulating growth, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal function.
Endocrine organs release hormones into the blood to coordinate processes such as metabolism, growth, stress responses, and reproduction.
The BodyParts3D reference dataset models 4 dedicated endocrine structures in this layer: Pituitary gland (FMA13889), Pineal body (FMA62033), Right adrenal gland (FMA15629), and Left adrenal gland (FMA15630). Note: Organs with dual endocrine functions, such as the pancreas (digestive layer) and testes (reproductive layer), are grouped in their primary anatomical layers.
Releases chemical messengers (hormones) directly into the bloodstream to act on distant target tissues.
Coordinates systemic metabolism, growth, and developmental processes.
Regulates physiological stress responses and electrolyte balance via the adrenal glands.
Integrates neuroendocrine signals via the pituitary gland and pineal body.
Review the primary anatomical landmarks below. Click Learn more to open the dedicated page for each structure, or click Select in 3D to inspect it on the interactive 3D model.
A master neuroendocrine gland at the base of the brain (housed in the sella turcica) that secretes hormones regulating growth, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal function.
A small midline endocrine gland in the epithalamus of the brain that secretes melatonin to help regulate circadian rhythms.
An endocrine gland located superior to the right kidney that produces corticosteroid hormones and catecholamines involved in stress and electrolyte regulation.
The paired suprarenal endocrine gland situated superior to the left kidney.
Every anatomical structure assigned to the Endocrine layer in atlas.json. Curated landmarks include a Learn more guide, and all 4 structures can be selected directly in the 3D viewer.
Launch the 3D viewer with the Endocrine activated. Orbit the camera, use the Exploded View slider to separate overlapping pieces, and click individual structures to inspect their FMA reference ID and anatomical metadata.
You have not selected any structures in the Endocrine inside the 3D viewer yet during this session. Click Explore in 3D or any structure card above to inspect a structure on the 3D model.
Endocrine organs release hormones into the blood to coordinate metabolism, growth, stress responses, and reproduction.
The intracranial endocrine glands in this layer are the pituitary gland (FMA13889) and pineal body (FMA62033).
The left and right adrenal glands sit superior to the kidneys in the retroperitoneal space.
The pituitary gland and pineal body are closely integrated with the hypothalamus and diencephalon of the brain.
Endocrine glands are richly vascularized so hormones released into capillaries are rapidly distributed through the bloodstream.
The pancreas (modeled in the digestive layer) also performs vital endocrine roles by releasing insulin and glucagon into the blood.
Select an answer for each question below to verify your understanding of the endocrine.