The endocrine system is a complex collection of hormone-producing glands that

control basic body functions such as metabolism, growth and sexual

development

Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and

regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.

Endocrine gland: A gland that secretes a substance (a hormone) into the

bloodstream. The endocrine glands are "glands of internal secretion.

Pituitary gland: The main endocrine gland. It is a small structure in the head. It
is called the master gland because it produces hormones that control other
glands and many body functions including growth. The pituitary consists of the
anterior and posterior pituitary. Located at the base of the brain

Pineal gland: A small gland located deep within in the brain. It is believed to
secrete melatonin, and may therefore be part of the body's sleep-regulation
apparatus. Located just rostro-dorsal to the superior colliculus and behind and
beneath the stria medullaris, between the laterally positioned thalamic bodies.

Thyroid gland: A gland that makes and stores hormones that help regulate the
heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and the rate at which food is
converted into energy. Thyroid hormones are essential for the function of every
cell in the body. They help regulate growth and the rate of chemical reactions
(metabolism) in the body. Thyroid hormones also help children grow and
develop.

The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the neck, below the Adam's
apple, wrapped around the trachea (windpipe). It has the shape of a butterfly: two
wings (lobes) attached to one another by a middle part.

The thyroid uses iodine, a mineral found in some foods and in iodized salt, to
make its hormones. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4)
andtriiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which is produced
by thepituitary gland, acts to stimulate hormone production by the thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland also makes the hormone calcitonin, which is involved in
calcium metabolism and stimulating bone cells to add calcium to bone.

Parathyroid gland: A gland that regulates calcium, located behind the thyroid
gland in the neck. The parathyroid gland secretes a hormone called
parathormone (or parathyrin) that is critical to calcium and phosphorus
metabolism. Although the number of parathyroid glands can vary, most people
have four, one above the other on each side. They are plastered against the
back of the thyroid and therefore at risk for being accidentally removed during
thyroidectomy.

Thymus: A lymphoid organ situated in the center of the upper chest just behind
thesternum (breastbone). It is in the thymus that lymphocytes mature, multiply,
and becomeT cells. (That is why they are called T cells. The T is for thymus.)

The thymus reaches its greatest size at puberty. It then begins to involute and
much of the lymphoid tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue and fat. Its function
accordingly declines after puberty.

Adrenal gland: One of a pair of small glands, each of which sits on top of one of
the kidneys. The adrenal is made up of an outer wall (the cortex) and an inner
portion (the medulla).

The adrenal glands produce hormones that help control the heart rate, blood
pressure, the way the body uses food, and other vital functions. The adrenal
cortex secretes steroid (cortisone-related) hormones and mineralocortoids that
regulate the levels of minerals such as sodium and potassium in the blood.

Pancreas: A fish-shaped spongy grayish-pink organ about 6 inches (15 cm) long
that stretches across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The head of
the pancreas is on the right side of the abdomen and is connected to the
duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). The narrow end of the
pancreas, called the tail, extends to the left side of the body.

The pancreas makes pancreatic juices and hormones, including insulin. The
pancreatic juices are enzymes that help digest food in the small
intestine. Insulin controls the amount of sugar in the blood.

Ovary: The female gonad, the ovary is one of a pair of reproductive glands in
women. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each
ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs (ova)
and female hormones. During each monthly menstrual cycle, an egg is released
from one ovary. The egg travels from the ovary through a fallopian tube to the
uterus.

The ovaries are the main source of female hormones, which control the
development of Testes: The male sex glands. They are located behind the penis
in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. The testes produce and store sperm, and
are also the body's main source of male hormones, such as testosterone. These
hormones control the development of the reproductive organs and other male
characteristics, such as body and facial hair, low voice, and wide shoulders. Also
known as the testicles.

Female body characteristics, such as the breasts, body shape, and body hair.
They also regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.