🧠🩺 Major Endocrine Glands – The Body’s Chemical Messengers The endocrine system is a network of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate body functions like metabolism, growth, reproduction, and mood. Hormones = Chemical messengersEndocrine glands = Hormone-producing factories 🗺️ List of Major Endocrine Glands 🔢 Gland Name Location Primary Hormones Function 1️⃣ Hypothalamus Brain (below thalamus) Releasing/inhibiting hormones Controls pituitary gland; links nervous & endocrine 2️⃣