Question

How many glands are there in the body?

Answer 1

Glands in the body are of mainly two types viz. endocrine and exocrine. Endocrine glands are the ductless glands that secrete hormones which are chemical substances that have specific actions in the body at some particular site. Exocrine glands are the glands with ducts.

Complete answer:
Exocrine glands basically secrete the various enzymes that are transported to the site of action through the duct of the gland. Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the blood that are carried away by the circulation to a distant site which is the site of action.

There are 7 endocrine glands in the body:
-Hypothalamus- located at the base of the stalk of the pituitary. It regulates body temperature.
-Pineal- small pea-sized gland. It controls the day-night cycle.
-Thyroid- located in the neck anteriorly. It secretes hormones like thyroxine and calcitonin. Thyroxine- T3 and T4, Calcitonin- carries out Calcium regulation.
-Adrenals- also known as the suprarenal glands. These are loathed at the top of the kidneys. It secretes mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids.
-Pituitary- known as the master gland. It secretes the trophic hormones that regulate the secretion of hormones of the other glands of the body.
-Parathyroid- butterfly-shaped glands at the back of the thyroid gland.
-Testis in males and ovaries in females.

Note: The largest gland - pancreas is a mixed gland also known as an exo-endocrine gland as it functions as both endocrine and exocrine. It has the islet of Langerhans that are endocrine in nature. The beta cells secrete insulin.