The adrenal glands are two small glands located on top of each kidney. They are part of the endocrine system and are responsible for producing and secreting hormones that are essential for regulating various bodily functions. The adrenal glands are composed of two parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located in the upper right part of the abdomen, underneath the liver. Its main function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats in the small intestine. When you eat, the gallbladder contracts
The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It is located in the chest, between the lungs and behind the sternum (breastbone). The heart is roughly the size of a fist and is responsible for circulating oxygenated blood to all the cells in the body and
The hypothalamus is a small but important region located in the brain, specifically in the diencephalon. It plays a vital role in regulating various bodily functions, including hunger, thirst, body temperature, sleep, and other autonomic and endocrine functions. The hypothalamus is often referred to as the “master gland” because it
Also known as the colon, the large intestine is the final part of the digestive system. It is a muscular tube that connects the small intestine to the rectum and anus. The large intestine is responsible for processing any leftover indigestible material from your food, absorbing water and electrolytes, and
The liver lies on the right side of the abdominal cavity beneath the diaphragm. It is the largest glandular organ of the body and is divided into 4 lobes of unequal size and shape. The liver receives blood from the hepatic artery and portal vein. The hepatic vein transports oxygen-rich
The lungs are a pair of organs located in the chest cavity that are responsible for facilitating the process of breathing. They are spongy and elastic, and their main function is to take in oxygen from the air we breathe and transfer it to the bloodstream, while also removing carbon
The mammary glands are located on either side of the adult female chest, which with fatty tissue and the nipple make up the breast. Mammary glands are exocrine glands which release secretions through ducts. Circulating hormones including estrogen and growth hormone affect the development of ducts within the glands during
The ovaries are a pair of small, almond-shaped organs located in the female reproductive system. They are situated on either side of the uterus, near the end of the fallopian tubes. The main function of the ovaries is to produce and release eggs for fertilization during ovulation. Each ovary contains
The parathyroid glands are 4 small endocrine glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps regulate the level of calcium and phosphate in the blood. PTH acts to increase blood calcium levels by stimulating the release of calcium from bone tissue, increasing
The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland located in the brain, roughly in the center of the skull. It is part of the epithalamus and is responsible for the production of the hormone melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other circadian rhythms in the body. The pineal gland
The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, below the hypothalamus. It is often referred to as the “master gland” because it secretes hormones that regulate the functions of several other endocrine glands in the body. The pituitary
The spleen is an organ located in the upper-left of the abdomen that filters lymph fluid and creates lymphocytes for the destruction and recycling of old red-blood cells. The spleen is also a blood reservoir, supplying the body with blood in emergencies such as a bad cut. It is also
The stomach is a J-shaped organ that is similar to a bag that stretches and moves to churn the food it holds. It is made up of 5 layers of cells that allow it to play out it’s unique functions. The stomach is attached to the esophagus (the food pipe)
The thymus is a specialized organ of the immune system that is located in the upper chest, just behind the sternum (breastbone). It is most active during childhood and adolescence and plays a key role in the development and maturation of T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is an important part of the endocrine system and produces hormones that help regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and development. The thyroid gland uses iodine from the food we eat to
The urinary bladder is a muscular sac-like organ located in the lower abdomen that functions to store urine before it is expelled from the body through the urethra. The bladder is part of the urinary system, which also includes the kidneys, ureters, and urethra. When the bladder is empty, it
The uterus, also known as the womb, is a hollow, muscular organ in the female reproductive system. It is located in the pelvis between the bladder and rectum and is responsible for carrying a developing fetus during pregnancy. The uterus is roughly the size and shape of a pear and