Endocrine System of the Cat

This system includes several glands that produce hormones. Hormones are substances that travel through the blood stream and affect other organs. The major function of the endocrine system is to regulate numerous bodily functions, using specific hormones as messengers. The system is distributed throughout the body, as follows:

•   The hypothalamus - at the base of the brain.
  
•   The pituitary gland - on the base of the brain, attached to the hypothalamus via a stalk-like structure.
  
•   The thyroid gland - in the neck, below the larynx (voice box).
  
•   Two parathyroid glands - in the neck, closely associated with the thyroid gland.
  
•   Two adrenal glands - in the abdominal cavity in front of the kidneys.
  
•   The gastrointestinal (GI) tract - in the abdominal cavity.
  
•   The pancreas - in the forward part of the abdominal cavity, behind the liver and stomach.
  
•   The liver - in the front of the abdomen, just behind the diaphragm and below the stomach.
  
•   The ovaries - in the middle part of the abdominal cavity near the kidneys.
  
•   The testes - in the scrotum.