Glands

Thyroid Gland
Thyroid gland, located in the neck, looks like a butterfly. It weighs less than an ounce. Situated below our voice box, thyroid's main function is to regulate body metabolism. Functions of the body are severely affected when thyroid does not work well. Overactive or under active thyroid gland can lead to several health problems. Hormones secreted by the thyroid play an important role in generation of heat and energy, protein synthesis, vitamins, protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism, release and functions of other hormones, increased sensitivity of the body to other hormones like adrenaline, etc. Thyroid hormones (T3 and T34) are produced with the help of iodine and tyrosine. Therefore experts recommend incorporation of iodized salt in regular diet.

Parathyroid Glands
Human beings have four parathyroid glands. They are as small as a grain of rice and are located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. These glands control the level of calcium in our blood and bones. They regulate the growth of muscles and bones by determining the distribution of calcium and phosphate in the body. They govern the function of the nervous and muscular system. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) activates vitamin D and enhances the absorption of calcium in the gastrointestinal tract. Low PTH levels lead to fatigue and anxiety.

Pancreas
The pancreas, located behind the stomach, is yellowish in color. It is about 7.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. It is connected to the small intestine. Certain cells in the pancreas secrete digestive enzymes which play an important role in the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Important hormones insulin and glucagon are secreted into the blood stream by the pancreas. Thus pancreas works as an endocrine as well as exocrine gland. As we all know, insulin helps lower the blood sugar level. But if glucose level is found to be too low, glucagon helps increase it. Malfunctioning of insulin-generating cells results in diabetes. Pancreas helps neutralize the chyme. (Chyme is the partly digested food. It is in the form of thick semi-fluid when it passes through the stomach.)

Thymus
The thymus, situated in the middle of the chest, beneath the upper part of the breastbone near the heart, is a pyramid-shaped small gland. It builds resistance for combating diseases and helps in one's physical development. The size of the thymus grows during the neonatal and pre-adolescent periods. It is most active in the early years after birth. It plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system. As the body reaches puberty, it starts shrinking. In adults, it is difficult to identify thymus.

Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands look like triangular hats placed on the top of the kidneys. The length of an adrenal gland is about one or two inches and it weighs only a fraction of an ounce. Though small in size, these glands secrete almost three dozen hormones! The main functions of adrenal glands include carrying out the metabolic processes and helping the body deal with stress. These glands regulate the 'fight or flight mechanism' of the body. Adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline while the adrenal cortex releases cortisol, corticosterone, cortisone, and aldosterone (which determines salt-water balance in the body).

Hypothalamus
Hypothalamus (part of the brain) is known as the 'control and relay center of the endocrine system'. The autonomic nervous system is governed by the hypothalamus. It plays an important role in certain metabolic processes. Located near the pituitary gland at the basal part of the skull (above the brain stem), it controls pituitary secretions. All the automatically adjusted factors such as hunger, thirst, sleep, emotional behavior such as anger and sexual activity, body temperature, blood pressure, function of the cardiovascular system (heart rate) and abdominal visceral regulation are controlled by the hypothalamus. As we grow older, hypothalamus requires support to maintain optimum level of performance. Dysfunction of the hypothalamus results in depression or abnormal responses to stress. It also leads to disturbances in the brain. Hormones released by the hypothalamus stimulate the release of other hormones like thyrotropin,

Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland, located at the base of the skull, is known as the 'master gland'. It controls the functions of other ductless glands. This tiny, pea-shaped gland is one of the most important parts of our body. It is divided into anterior and posterior pituitary. It influences metabolism, reproduction and growth by releasing hormones like prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, growth hormone, oxytocin, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, etc.

Pineal Gland
The pineal gland is located within the brain. It is safely positioned in the groove at the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres. It releases melatonin which supervises the biological clock of the body. It controls our walking and sleeping patterns. Sexual development is also controlled by the pineal gland. Melatonin helps avoid and get over jet-lags. In the ancient times, the pineal gland was considered as the third eye, with supposed magical powers.