The endocrine system regulates homeostasis through hormones that target cells and organs throughout the body. Key endocrine glands include the pituitary gland, which regulates other glands; the thyroid gland, which produces hormones regulating metabolism; the adrenal glands, which produce hormones involved in stress response like cortisol; and the pancreas, which produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar. Hormones signal to target cells via mechanisms like activating or inhibiting gene expression. The hypothalamus helps regulate the endocrine system by producing hormones that stimulate or inhibit hormone release from the pituitary gland.