What are endocrine glands? Identify chief endocrine glands, the hormones produced by them, the function of the hormones and diseases produced due to imbalances.

The glands that lack ducts and secrete hormones are known as "endocrine glands". Chief endocrine glands are hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, thymus, adrenal gland, pancreas, testis, ovary. The functions of hormones produced and diseases caused due to their imbalances are outlined below: