Anatomy of the Endocrine System

The endocrine system is a posh community of glands and organs. It makes use of hormones to manage and coordinate your physique’s metabolism, power stage, replica, progress and growth, and response to harm, stress, and temper. The next are key components of the endocrine system:

• Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is positioned on the base of the mind. It makes hormones that management hormones launched within the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus controls water steadiness, sleep, temperature, urge for food, temper, reproductive behaviors, and blood strain.

• Pineal gland. This gland is positioned in the course of the mind. It makes the hormone melatonin. This hormone helps your physique know when it is time to sleep. This hormone additionally regulates the timing of different features all through the physique, equivalent to when puberty begins.

• Pituitary gland. This gland is positioned under the mind. It’s usually as small as a pea. Nevertheless it controls many features of the opposite endocrine glands.

• Thyroid and parathyroid. These glands are positioned in entrance of the neck, under the voice field (larynx). The thyroid performs a key position within the physique’s metabolism. The parathyroid helps regulate the physique’s calcium steadiness and bone power.

• Adrenal gland. An adrenal gland is positioned on prime of every kidney. Like many glands, these work along with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The adrenal glands make and launch corticosteroid hormones and adrenaline (epinephrine). These keep blood strain and regulate metabolism.

• Pancreas. This organ is positioned throughout the again of the stomach (stomach), behind the abdomen. It performs a job in digestion and hormone manufacturing. Hormones made by the pancreas embody insulin and glucagon. These regulate blood sugar ranges.

• Ovaries. A lady’s ovaries are positioned on each side of the uterus, under the opening of the fallopian tubes. The ovaries comprise the egg cells wanted for copy. In addition they make estrogen and progesterone.

• Testes. A person’s testes are positioned in a pouch that hangs suspended outdoors the male physique. The testes make testosterone and sperm.