What type of glands release hormones into the bloodstream?

Endocrine glands are specialized organs that produce and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Unlike exocrine glands, which release their products through ducts to specific sites (such as sweat or salivary glands), endocrine glands have a different mechanism of action. Hormones released by endocrine glands travel through the circulatory system to target organs or tissues, where they exert their effects by binding to specific receptors.

Examples of endocrine glands include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and pancreas. Each of these glands plays a critical role in regulating various physiological processes such as metabolism, growth, and stress responses. Understanding the distinction between these types of glands is fundamental in physiology and helps clarify how hormones function within the body.