Human body has endocrine as well as exocrine glands. The endocrine glands are ductless glands and hence release their secretion directly into the blood stream. These secretions are called hormones. The nervous and endocrine systems work in coordination and their interplay heavily influences ones behaviour. The animation given below illustrates the location of various endocrine glands in our body.

The chemically sensitive body and the electrochemical nature of impulse transmission make hormones extremely important. Hormones have bidirectional influence; they increase or decrease certain behaviours. Hence, it is important for the students of psychology to understand the hormone-behaviour relationship. Endocrine glands, neurotransmitters and immune system are interconnected and change in one influences the other. The table given below summarizes different hormones secreted by various endocrine glands.

The secretions of these endocrine glands affect our bodily processes. Endocrinology literature largely talks about these physiological effects. Besides describing these physiological mechanisms and their regulation the present unit will also elaborate the psychological impact of the respective hormones.