Anatomy of the Endocrine System in Children

These are components of the endocrine system:

• Hypothalamus. This gland is within the mind. It secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress the discharge of hormones within the pituitary gland. It additionally controls water steadiness, sleep, temperature, urge for food, temper, and blood strain.

• Pineal physique. The pineal physique is within the mind. It sits beneath the corpus callosum, in the course of the mind. It makes the hormone melatonin. This hormone controls the sleep cycle. The pineal physique may additionally be a part of the timing of puberty.

• Pituitary gland. This gland is on the base of the mind. It is referred to as the “grasp gland.” It is in regards to the dimension of a pea. This gland secretes many hormones that management many features of the opposite endocrine glands.

• Thyroid and parathyroids. The thyroid gland and parathyroid glands are in entrance of the neck, beneath the larynx (voice field). The thyroid controls the physique’s metabolism. The parathyroid glands management the physique’s calcium and phosphorus steadiness.

• Thymus. The thymus is within the higher a part of the chest. It makes white blood cells, referred to as T cells, and secretes a hormone that helps these T cells mature and performance. These cells battle infections and destroy irregular cells.

• Adrenal gland. There are 2 adrenal glands. Every gland sits on prime of every kidney. They work with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to make cortisol (referred to as the stress hormone) and different hormones essential for regular metabolism. 

• Pancreas. The pancreas is behind the abdomen. It makes hormones for digestion and metabolism. These embody the hormones insulin and glucagon. Each management blood sugar ranges.

• Ovaries. Females have 2 ovaries. There’s 1 ovary on either side of the feminine’s uterus, beneath the opening of the fallopian tubes. The ovaries comprise egg cells for copy. Additionally they make estrogen and progesterone.

• Testes. Males have 2 testicles (testes). They’re positioned in a pouch (scrotum) that hangs exterior the groin. The testes make testosterone and sperm.