The endocrine system is a complex collection of hormone-producing glands that control basic body functions such as metabolism, growth, and sexual development. Many of the hormones produced by the endocrine glands interact with each other to maintain balance. The amount of hormones produced by each gland is carefully balanced.
Too much or too little of a certain hormone can have effects throughout the body and cause various endocrine disorders. Although many endocrine disorders that affect adults can affect children, the disorders may produce different symptoms in children.
Metabolism is the chemical activity that occurs in cells, releasing energy from nutrients or using energy to create other substances, such as proteins. The basal metabolic rate is a measurement of energy required to keep the body functioning at rest. Measured in calories, metabolic rates increase with exertion, stress, fear, and illness.
Please follow these links to learn more about the endocrine system and problems that may occur with its functions.
Topic Index
Anatomy of the Endocrine System
Growth in Children
Diabetes
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycemia in the Newborn
Problems in Puberty
Disorders of Sex Development
Disorders Affecting the Thyroid
Disorders Affecting the Pituitary Gland
Disorders Affecting Calcium Metabolism
Disorders Affecting the Adrenal Glands
Glossary