Like many glands, the adrenal glands work hand-in-hand with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. An adrenal gland is located on top of each kidney. The thymus is located in the upper part of the chest and produces white blood cells that fight infections and destroy abnormal cells.Īdrenal gland. The parathyroid glands play an important role in the regulation of the body's calcium balance. The thyroid plays an important role in the body's metabolism. The thyroid gland and parathyroid glands are located in front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box). Usually no larger than a pea, the gland controls many functions of the other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland is located below the brain. It produces the hormone melatonin, which helps the body know when it's time to sleep. The pineal body is located below the corpus callosum, in the middle of the brain. The hypothalamus secretes hormones that stimulate or suppress the release of hormones in the pituitary gland, in addition to controlling water balance, sleep, temperature, appetite, and blood pressure. The hypothalamus is located at the base of the brain, near the optic chiasm where the optic nerves behind each eye cross and meet. The following are integral parts of the endocrine system:

It uses hormones to control and coordinate your body's metabolism, energy level, reproduction, growth and development, and response to injury, stress, and mood. The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs.

Adrenal gland urinary system