The thyroid: The endocrine system gland that lies in the neck and secretes several endocrine hormones.Nocturnal beings: Nighttime active and daytime sleep beings.Diurnal beings: Day time active and nighttime sleep beings.Circadian rhythm: The normal human being's 24 hour cycle of sleep and wakefulness.The pineal gland: The small endocrine system gland that is in the brain and relatively close to the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands of the endocrine system and that regulates sleep and wake cycles.The pituitary gland: The endocrine system gland that is housed near the base of the skull just below the hypothalamus gland that performs several roles.The hypothalamus: Also referred to as the 'master gland', this endocrine system gland is housed near the base of the skull just above the pituitary gland and it performs several roles.Endocrine gland: A gland that secretes and releases hormones into the blood which goes to target organ(s) in the body.Exocrine gland: A gland that secretes a substance to the exterior part of the body.Gland: An organ that secretes and releases a substance.Hormones: Natural chemical substances that control, manage and coordinate several bodily functions throughout the body.Glossary of Endocrine System Terms and Terminology
