The adrenal glands make hormones that help the body deal with stress and illness. The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. Both the thyroid and parathyroid glands also play a role in controlling the level of calcium in the body. The thyroid plays an important role in the body's growth and development, as well as metabolism. The thyroid gland and parathyroid glands are located in front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box). It also makes the hormones prolactin and vasopressin, and growth hormone. It regulates the amounts of hormone made by the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and testes or ovaries. It is the master gland in the endocrine system. The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and is about the size of a pea. It also makes hormones that help to control water balance, sleep, temperature, appetite and blood pressure.
It makes hormones that increase or decrease the release of the hormones made in the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is located in the center of the brain. The endocrine system makes hormones that help control: Hormones are substances that act as 'messengers' to control many body functions. The endocrine system is made up of seven different glands that make chemicals called hormones.
