The endocrine portions of the pancreas are the pancreatic islets, small cell clusters within the pancreatic tissue. The term islet, meaning “small island,” is used because  these cells look like little islands in the midst of the many  pancreatic cells that secrete digestive juices. The islet cells produce two hormones, insulin and glucagon,  that regulate glucose metabolism. Insulin increases cellular use of glucose, thus decreasing blood glucose levels. Glucagon has the opposite effect, increasing blood glucose levels. s

The adrenal glands, located atop the kidneys, are divided  into two distinct regions: an outer cortex and an inner  medulla. The hormones produced by this gland are  involved in the body’s response to stress. The cortex produces steroid hormones:                                                                                                     Cortisol (hydrocortisone) mobilizes fat and carbohydrate reserves to increase these nutrients in the blood.  It also reduces inflammation and is used clinically for this purpose. m 

 Aldosterone causes the kidneys to conserve sodium and  water while eliminating potassium.                     Sex hormones, mainly testosterone, are also produced in  small amounts, but their importance is not well understood. Some athletes, illegally and dangerously, take testosterone-like steroids to increase muscle size, strength,  and endurance.                                                                                                                          The medulla of the adrenal gland produces the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline) in response to stress. Epinephrine works with the nervous system to help the body  meet physical and emotional challenge. l