# data[].attributes.body
An interactive online platform with videos, games, and activities all about the human body. Perfect for visual learners and classroom integration.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What different systems make up a person?

# data[].attributes.body
A series of articles and interactive content designed specifically for children to learn about different body systems. Includes games and videos.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The human body is an amazing machine. Learn more about it through movies, quizzes, articles, and more.

# data[].attributes.body
Engaging online content with fascinating facts, videos, and activities about the human body systems, presented in National Geographic's signature engaging style.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This Science primary resource gives children the chance to learn some fascinating facts about their bodies and how they work. How many times a day does your heart beat? Which cells in your body live longest? How much saliva do you produce in a lifetime?

Pupils will learn some surprising facts about the human body and how it behaves in our National Geographic Kids' Science primary resource sheet.

The teaching resource can be used in study group tasks for discussion about different parts of the body. It could be used as a printed handout for each pupil to review and annotate, or for display on the interactive whiteboard for class discussion.

Activity: Ask children to use the facts provided and their own research to write a human body fact sheet of their own. Pupils could choose one of the parts of the body mentioned (i.e. brain, heart, teeth, eyes, etc.) and research further facts about it, in order to make a poster or leaflet.

The following information for mapping the resource documents to the school curriculum is specifically tailored to the English National Curriculum and Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. We are currently working to bring specifically tailored curriculum resource links for our other territories; including South Africa, and New Zealand. If you have any queries about our upcoming curriculum resource links, please email: schools@ngkids.co.uk

This Science primary resource assists with teaching the following Key Stage 1 Science (Year 1) objective from the National Curriculum:
Pupils should be taught to:

identify, name, draw and label the basic parts of the human body and say which part of the body is associated with each sense

National Curriculum Key Stage 1 Science (Year 2) objective:
Pupils should be taught to:

find out about and describe the basic needs of animals, including humans, for survival (water, food and air)

National Curriculum Lower Key Stage 2 Science (Year 3) objectives:
Pupils should be taught to:

identify that humans and some other animals have skeletons and muscles for support, protection and movement.

This Science primary resource assists with teaching the following Sciences Second level objectives from the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence:

I have explored the structure and function of sensory organs to develop my understanding of body actions in response to outside conditions

Scottish Curriculum for Excellence Sciences Third level objectives:

I have explored the structure and function of organs and organ systems and can relate this to the basic biological processes required to sustain life.

Scottish Curriculum for Excellence Sciences Fourth level objectives:

I can explain how biological actions which take place in response to external and internal changes work to maintain stable body conditions

Download primary resource

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The human body primary resource | National Geographic Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This human body primary resource gives children the chance to learn some fascinating facts about how their bodies and how they work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school.

Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Digestive System kids' book from the leading digital reading platform with a collection of 40,000+ books from 250+ of the world's best publishers. Read now on Epic.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access Your Digestive System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Read The Dynamic Digestive System on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school.

Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Read The Dynamic Digestive System on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Dynamic Digestive System kids' book from the leading digital reading platform with a collection of 40,000+ books from 250+ of the world's best publishers. Read now on Epic.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access The Digestive System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access The Muscular System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access The Immune System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access The Skeletal System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access The Skeletal System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Watch Skeletal System Song | The Human Body for Kids on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Watch Skeletal System Song | The Human Body for Kids on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access Skeletal System Song | The Human Body for Kids plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access Your Nervous System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access The Nervous System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access Your Muscular System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Read Amazing Body Systems: Muscular System on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Read Amazing Body Systems: Muscular System on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access Amazing Body Systems: Muscular System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Read Amazing Body Systems: Respiratory System on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school.

Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Read Amazing Body Systems: Respiratory System on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Amazing Body Systems: Respiratory System kids' book from the leading digital reading platform with a collection of 40,000+ books from 250+ of the world's best publishers. Read now on Epic.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access The Respiratory System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access The Respiratory System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How the Body Works: Articles (for Kids) - Humana - Ohio

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your body has so many amazing parts. Learn more about them in these articles - perfect for school assignments!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The digestive system is a group of organs working together to break down food into tiny molecules. Digestion of food is important so that we can obtain energy from our food.

Mouth: Physical and chemical digestion

Physical digestion begins in the mouth where the food is chewed and broken down into smaller pieces by the teeth. There are four types of teeth - Incisors, Canines, Premolars and Molars. Chemical digestion also occurs in the mouth with chemicals called enzymes that chemically break down the food.

Oesophagus: Passes food to the stomach by peristalsis

After being chewed and swallowed, food passes through the esophagus a long tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach. The muscles in the wall of the oesophagus start to push the mushy bolus down into the stomach by waves called peristalsis. Peristalsis gives us the capability of being able to eat or drink even when we're upside-down.

Stomach: Physical and chemical digestion

Once in the stomach, which is essentially a mixing and holding area, protein digestion begins. The food is churned and drenched in a very strong acid called Hydrochloric Acid. Partly digested food mixed with stomach acid is called chyme. Small Intestine (6 Meters Long): Chemical digestion and the absorption of nutrients into the blood After being further digestied in the stomach, food enters the small intestine**.** The first part of the small intestine is called the duodenum, the next part is the jejunum and the third and final part of the small intestine is called the ileum. In the small intestine, bile (produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder), pancreatic enzymes, and other digestive enzymes produced by the inner wall of the small intestine further assist with the breakdown of food.

Pancreas: Contains digestive enzymes

Liver: Produces Bile (for the digestion of fats)

Large intestine: Absorption of water from the food remains

After passing through the small intestine, food enters the large intestine. In the large intestine, some of the water and electrolytes (chemicals like sodium) are removed from the food. Many microbes (bacteria like Bacteroides, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella) in the large intestine help in the digestion process.

Rectum - The end of the line: The remains of food and water is stored in the rectum.

Solid waste is then stored in the rectum until it is excreted via the anus. Help your kids identify and locate the major parts of the digestive system including the mouth, eosophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine and large intestine, and know their functions. Our Digestive System for Kids image below is a great way to explain digestion to kids. The next time your kids eat a healthy snack you should help them follow along the map of where their food travels from mouth to toilet (always a fun topic in our house).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ScienceWithMe!® was developed by a mom and dad team of professional scientists who love science and want to pass that love of science onto the next generation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Where would you be without your bones? Learn more about the skeletal system in this article for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Locomotor system for kids - Bones and Muscles of the Human Body - ClassX

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Free English lessons with interactive practice. Learn English online with our fun and comprehensive English lessons on ClassX.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The immune system keeps you healthy. How does it work? Find out in this article for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The immune system is the set of tissues which work together to resist infections. It's like your body's amazing defense team whose job is to protect you from tiny invaders, like germs ( bacteria and viruses), that can make you sick. It's a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together constantly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to keep you healthy. Think of it as your personal, invisible shield and army!

Why is it important?

Without a working immune system, your body would have no way to fight off the germs that are all around us. Even simple things like a common cold could become very serious. Your immune system helps you get better when you do get sick and often prevents you from getting sick from the same germ again.

How does the immune system work?

The immune system works by recognizing things that are not supposed to be in your body, called antigens. These antigens are usually found on the surface of germs. Once an antigen is spotted, the immune system swings into action to get rid of the invader. It has different ways of doing this:

Special cells patrol your body, looking for anything that looks suspicious or foreign.

When an invader is found, the immune system sends out its "soldiers" (different types of cells and special proteins) to attack and destroy the germ.

One of the coolest things the immune system does is remember the germs it has fought before. If the same germ tries to invade again, the immune system can recognize it quickly and fight it off faster and stronger, often before you even feel sick. This is called immunity!

Parts of the immune system

The immune system isn't just one thing; it's made up of many different parts working together. Some of the main players include:

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): These are the main soldiers of your immune system. They are made in your bone marrow and travel throughout your body in your blood and lymphatic system. There are different types of white blood cells, each with a special job:

Phagocytes: These cells are like the "clean-up crew." They "chew up" and swallow invading germs and damaged cells. Neutrophils and Macrophages are types of phagocytes. Macrophages are also important for helping the body heal.

Lymphocytes: These cells help your body remember invaders and destroy them. The two main types are B cells and T cells.

B Cells (B Lymphocytes): These are like the "intelligence system." They find targets (germs) and make special Y-shaped proteins called antibodies.

T Cells (T Lymphocytes): These are like the "soldiers" or "killer cells." Some T cells help the B cells make antibodies (Helper T cells), while others directly destroy cells in your body that have been infected by germs (Killer T cells). Memory cells, which remember past invaders, are also a type of lymphocyte.

Antibodies: These are the special proteins made by B cells. They are shaped like a "Y" and can stick to specific antigens on germs. When antibodies stick to a germ, it can neutralize the germ (make it harmless) or mark it so that other immune cells know to destroy it.

Organs of the Immune System (Lymphoid Organs): These are places in your body where immune cells are made, grow, and are stored.

Bone Marrow: This is the soft, spongy tissue inside your bones. It's like the "police academy" where all blood cells, including white blood cells, are born from special stem cells.

Thymus: This is a small organ located in your chest, behind your breastbone. T cells travel from the bone marrow to the thymus to finish growing up and become ready to fight.

Lymph Nodes: These are small, bean-shaped organs found all over your body, connected by tiny tubes called lymphatic vessels. They are like "checkpoints" or "filtering stations" where germs and damaged cells are collected from the body's tissues and where immune cells can gather to fight infections. You might feel your lymph nodes swell in your neck, armpits, or groin when you are sick - this is a sign they are working hard!

: This organ is located in your belly. It filters blood, removes old or damaged red blood cells, and also contains lots of white blood cells that can fight infection.

and : These are located in your nose and throat area. They are like early warning stations, trapping germs that enter through your nose and mouth.

Peyer's Patches: These are small areas of lymphoid tissue in your small intestine that help protect against germs entering through the food you eat.

Skin: Your skin is actually your body's very first line of defense! It acts like a physical barrier, blocking many germs from even getting inside your body. This is why keeping your skin clean is so important.

Mucous Membranes: These are the moist linings inside your nose, mouth, throat, and other parts of your body. They produce sticky mucus that can trap germs, and they also contain immune cells.

Types of immunity

Innate Immunity

This is the protection you are born with. It's like your body's built-in, general defense system. Your skin, mucous membranes, and some types of white blood cells (like phagocytes) are part of your innate immunity. This system reacts quickly to any invader it sees as foreign.

Adaptive Immunity

This type of immunity develops over your lifetime. It's like your body learning and adapting to fight specific germs. When your body is exposed to a germ, your adaptive immune system (especially B cells and T cells) learns to recognize that specific germ and creates a targeted response. This is where antibodies and memory cells come in. Adaptive immunity is why you usually only get diseases like chickenpox once.

Passive Immunity

This is when you "borrow" immunity from another source, and it usually lasts for a short time. A good example is when a baby gets antibodies from their mother through breast milk, which gives the baby temporary protection against some diseases the mother is immune to.

What happens when the immune system doesn't work right?

Sometimes, the immune system can have problems.

Allergies: This happens when the immune system overreacts to something that is usually harmless, like pollen, certain foods, or pet dander. The immune system mistakes these things for dangerous invaders and launches an attack, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, or a rash.

Autoimmune Diseases: In rare cases, the immune system can get confused and mistakenly attack your body's own healthy cells and tissues. This is like your own soldiers attacking your own team. Examples include conditions where the immune system affects joints or other body parts. Scientists are still learning a lot about why this happens.

Immunodeficiency: This is when the immune system is not strong enough to fight off infections properly. This can be something a person is born with or can happen later in life. People with immunodeficiency might get sick more often or have a harder time recovering from illnesses.

People have known for a long time that if you recovered from certain diseases, you often didn't get them again. This was an early observation about immunity, even before anyone knew about germs or the immune system. As early as the 1400s or 1500s, people in some parts of the world practiced something called variolation to try and prevent smallpox by exposing healthy people to material from someone with a mild case.

In the late 1700s, Edward Jenner noticed that milkmaids who got a mild disease called cowpox didn't get smallpox, which was a very dangerous disease. In 1796, he tested this idea by giving a young boy named James Phipps cowpox material. When he later exposed James to smallpox, James didn't get sick. This was the first successful vaccination, and the word "vaccine" comes from the Latin word for cow, "vacca."

Later, in the 1800s, scientists like Louis Pasteur made huge steps in understanding that tiny microbes cause diseases (the germ theory) and developed more vaccines, like for rabies. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, scientists started discovering more about the specific parts of the immune system, like antibodies (first called "antitoxin" by Emil von Behring and Shibasaburo Kitasato in 1890, and the term "antibody" was coined by Paul Ehrlich in 1897) and different types of immune cells. More recently, in 1968, scientists like Jacques Miller and Graham Mitchell made important discoveries about how different immune cells, like T cells and B cells, work together.

Keeping your immune system strong

You can help your amazing immune system do its job by taking good care of yourself!

Eat Healthy Foods: Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables gives your body the nutrients it needs to build strong immune cells.

Get Enough Sleep: When you sleep, your body repairs itself and makes important immune cells.

Exercise Regularly: Being active helps your blood circulate, which helps immune cells travel throughout your body.

Wash Your Hands: This is one of the simplest and best ways to stop germs from getting into your body in the first place.

Get Vaccinations: Vaccinations (or immunizations) are like training for your immune system. They introduce a tiny, safe part of a germ (or a weakened version) to your body. Your immune system learns to recognize it and build antibodies and memory cells, so if you ever encounter the real germ, your body is ready to fight it off quickly and prevent you from getting seriously sick.

Images for kids

Overview of the processes involved in the primary immune response

Polio vaccination in Egypt

Paul Ehrlich (1854-1915) was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1908 for his contributions to immunology.

In Spanish: Sistema inmunitario para niños

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What's the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system is made up of glands that make hormones. Hormones are the body's chemical messengers. They carry information and instructions from one set of cells to another.

The endocrine (pronounced: EN-duh-krin) system influences almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. It is instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, metabolism, and sexual function, among other things.

What Does the Endocrine System Do?

Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream. This lets the hormones travel to cells in other parts of the body.

The endocrine hormones help control mood, growth and development, the way our organs work, metabolism, and reproduction.

The endocrine system regulates how much of each hormone is released. This can depend on levels of hormones already in the blood, or on levels of other substances in the blood, like calcium. Many things affect hormone levels, such as stress, infection, and changes in the balance of fluid and minerals in blood.

Too much or too little of any hormone can harm the body. Medicines can treat many of these problems.

What Are the Parts of the Endocrine System?

While many parts of the body make hormones, the major glands that make up the endocrine system are the:

The pancreas is part of the endocrine system and the digestive system. That's because it secretes hormones into the bloodstream, and makes and secretes enzymes into the digestive tract.

Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus (pronounced: hi-po-THAL-uh-mus) is in the lower central part of the brain. It links the endocrine system and nervous system. Nerve cells in the hypothalamus make chemicals that control the release of hormones secreted from the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus gathers information sensed by the brain (such as the surrounding temperature, light exposure, and feelings) and sends it to the pituitary. This information influences the hormones that the pituitary makes and releases.

Pituitary: The pituitary (pronounced: puh-TOO-uh-ter-ee) gland is at the base of the brain, and is no bigger than a pea. Despite its small size, the pituitary is often called the "master gland." The hormones it makes control many other endocrine glands.

The pituitary gland makes many hormones, such as:

growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of bone and other body tissues and plays a role in the body's handling of nutrients and minerals

prolactin (pronounced: pro-LAK-tin), which activates milk production in women who are breastfeeding

thyrotropin (pronounced: thy-ruh-TRO-pin), which stimulates the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones

corticotropin (pronounced: kor-tih-ko-TRO-pin), which stimulates the adrenal gland to make certain hormones

antidiuretic (pronounced: an-ty-dy-uh-REH-tik) hormone, which helps control body water balance through its effect on the kidneys

oxytocin (pronounced: ahk-see-TOE-sin), which triggers the contractions of the uterus that happen during labor

The pituitary also secretes endorphins (pronounced: en-DOR-fins), chemicals that act on the nervous system and reduce feelings of pain. The pituitary also secretes hormones that signal the reproductive organs to make sex hormones. The pituitary gland also controls and the menstrual cycle in women.

Thyroid: The thyroid (pronounced: THY-royd) is in the front part of the lower neck. It's shaped like a bow tie or butterfly. It makes the thyroid hormones thyroxine (pronounced: thy-RAHK-sin) and triiodothyronine (pronounced: try-eye-oh-doe-THY-ruh-neen). These hormones control the rate at which cells burn fuels from food to make energy. The more thyroid hormone there is in the bloodstream, the faster chemical reactions happen in the body.

Thyroid hormones are important because they help kids' and teens' bones grow and develop, and they also play a role in the development of the brain and nervous system.

Parathyroids: Attached to the thyroid are four tiny glands that work together called the parathyroids (pronounced: par-uh-THY-roydz). They release parathyroid hormone, which controls the level of calcium in the blood with the help of calcitonin (pronounced: kal-suh-TOE-nin), which the thyroid makes.

Adrenal Glands: These two triangular adrenal (pronounced: uh-DREE-nul) glands sit on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands have two parts, each of which makes a set of hormones and has a different function:

1. The outer part is the adrenal cortex. It makes hormones called corticosteroids (pronounced: kor-tih-ko-STER-oydz) that help control salt and water balance in the body, the body's response to stress, metabolism, the immune system, and sexual development and function.

2. The inner part is the adrenal medulla (pronounced: muh-DUH-luh). It makes catecholamines (pronounced: kah-tuh-KO-luh-meenz), such as epinephrine (pronounced: eh-puh-NEH-frun). Also called adrenaline, epinephrine increases blood pressure and heart rate when the body is under stress.

Pineal: The pineal (pronounced: pih-NEE-ul) body, also called the pineal gland, is in the middle of the brain. It secretes melatonin (pronounced: meh-luh-TOE-nin), a hormone that may help regulate when you sleep at night and when you wake in the morning.

Reproductive Glands: The gonads are the main source of sex hormones. Most people don't realize it, but both guys and girls have gonads. In guys the male gonads or testes (pronounced: TES-teez), are in the scrotum. They secrete hormones called androgens (pronounced: AN-druh-junz), the most important of which is testosterone (pronounced: tess-TOSS-tuh-rone). These hormones tell a guy's body when it's time to make the changes associated with puberty, like penis and height growth, deepening voice, and growth in facial and pubic hair. Working with hormones from the pituitary gland, testosterone also tells a guy's body when it's time to make sperm in the testes.

A girl's gonads the ovaries (pronounced: OH-vuh-reez), are in her pelvis. They make eggs and secrete the female hormones estrogen (pronounced: ESS-truh-jen) and progesterone (pronounced: pro-JESS-tuh-rone). Estrogen is involved when a girl starts puberty. During puberty, a girl will have breast growth, start to accumulate body fat around the hips and thighs, and have a growth spurt. Estrogen and progesterone are also involved in the regulation of a girl's menstrual cycle. These hormones also play a role in pregnancy.

Pancreas: The pancreas (pronounced: PAN-kree-us) makes insulin (pronounced: IN-suh-lin) and glucagon (pronounced: GLOO-kuh-gawn), which are hormones that control the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Insulin helps keep the body supplied with stores of energy. The body uses this stored energy for exercise and activity, and it also helps organs work as they should.

How Can I Help Keep My Endocrine System Healthy?

To help keep your endocrine system healthy:

Get plenty of exercise.

Eat a nutritious diet.

Go for regular medical checkups.

Talk to the doctor before taking any supplements or herbal treatments.

Let the doctor know about any family history of endocrine problems, such as diabetes or thyroid problems.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The endocrine system produces hormones, which are needed for proper body function and growth. Find out more in this article for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The following are integral parts of the endocrine system:

Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is located in the brain, near the optic chiasm. It 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.

Pineal body. The pineal body is located below the corpus callosum, in the middle of the brain. It produces the hormone melatonin, which regulates the sleep cycle and natural circadian rhythm.

Pituitary. The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. Usually no larger than a pea, this gland controls many functions of the other endocrine glands.

Thyroid and parathyroids. The thyroid gland and parathyroid glands are located in front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box). The thyroid regulates the body's metabolism. The parathyroid glands regulate the body's calcium balance.

Thymus. The thymus is located in the upper part of the chest and produces (white blood cells, called T-cells that fight infections and destroy abnormal cells).

Adrenal gland. An adrenal gland is located on top of each kidney. Adrenal glands work hand-in-hand with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to produce cortisol and other hormones important for normal metabolism.

Pancreas. The pancreas is located behind the stomach. It produces hormones for digestion and metabolism. Among the major hormones produced by the pancrease is insulin, which is essential to regulate blood sugar levels.

Ovary. An ovary is located on each side of the female's uterus, below the opening of the fallopian tubes, which extends from the uterus to the ovaries. In addition to containing the egg cells necessary for reproduction, the ovaries also produce estrogen and progesterone.

Testis. Two testes are located in a pouch (the scrotum) that hands suspended outside the male's body. The testes produce testosterone and sperm.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Anatomy of the Endocrine System in Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Detailed information on the endocrine system, its anatomy and function, including a full-color, labeled illustration

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Is the Endocrine System? A Student’s Guide to the Body’s Chemical Messenger Network

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore the endocrine system in this student-friendly guide. Learn how glands and hormones control growth, mood, energy, and more. Includes quiz, vocabulary, and summary.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn more about how to explain a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis to your child.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about type 1 diabetes and its causes, diagnosis, and treatment. You can’t prevent type 1 diabetes, but you can manage it with insulin and healthy habits.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
​By: Brittany Bruggeman, MD, FAAP & Chineze Ebo, MD, FAAP

Diabetes is a condition that affects the way the body uses food for energy. There are different types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children and teens.

Currently, type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition with no known cure. However, highly effective treatments are available to manage the disease. With the right care and support, people with type 1 diabetes can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

What causes type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes happens when the body cannot make enough of the hormone insulin. Nutrients in food are changed into a form of sugar called glucose. Insulin allows glucose to move from the bloodstream into cells throughout the body to be used for energy.

Ordinarily, our bodies produce insulin in special cells called beta cells. These are found in the pancreas, an organ located in the belly. However, with type 1 diabetes, the immune system becomes confused; it mistakenly attacks and destroys these beta cells, treating them as if they were harmful germs. This ongoing attack may occur quickly or over a period of years.

What happens when the body doesn't have enough insulin?

Without insulin, glucose is "stuck" in the bloodstream. This leads to high blood glucose levels ( hyperglycemia), which can cause damage in the body.

Since the cells can't use glucose without insulin, the body breaks down fat for fuel. This process creates ketones, which serve as an alternate energy source. However, ketones are acidic and so harm the body when their levels are too high.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes largely result from the lack of energy caused by the body not being able to use glucose. High ketone levels in the bloodstream can also cause symptoms. So can high sugar levels in the bloodstream that spill into the urine and pull water along with it, causing dehydration (lack of fluids).

Type 1 diabetes symptoms in children can include:

Increased thirst and increased urination (peeing). This can be missed in infants who are not toilet trained, because parents may not realize that they are in need of more frequent diaper changes. Also, " accidents" in a toddler and older children previously toilet-trained may be overlooked.

Hunger, at times extreme, associated with weight loss.

B lurry vision (not a common symptom, but this can occur if the sugar is very high).

Symptoms of a diabetic emergency

If untreated, type 1 diabetes can lead to symptoms that require immediate medical care. Diabetic emergency symptoms include nausea; vomiting; belly pain; rapid breathing; a fruity or nail polish remover-like odor to the breath, and drowsiness or loss of consciousness.

Can type 1 diabetes symptoms be mistaken for other illnesses?

Sometimes, untreated type 1 diabetes can look like the flu. A child may feel very tired, have nausea, vomiting and belly pain. It can seem like the child is OK because they are still peeing normally, or even more than usual. Normally, frequent peeing is a sign that a child is not dehydrated, but with type 1 diabetes, a child can still be dehydrated even if they are peeing a lot. If your child has flu-like symptoms along with increased thirst and frequent peeing, get them checked by a doctor right away.

How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes is diagnosed when a child has the classic symptoms of diabetes described above, along with abnormally high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can also be diagnosed by a test that shows what the average blood sugar has been in the blood over the past 3 months. This test is called hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). A result that is equal to or greater than 6.5% is consistent with diabetes.

Less commonly, diabetes is diagnosed with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). With this test, blood sugars are measured before and after a sugary drink is given.

Having ketones in the urine or coming into the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), where ketone levels have built up to dangerously high levels, strongly suggests type 1 diabetes. However, this can sometimes happen in type 2 diabetes, as well.

Type 1 or type 2 diabetes: how to tell the difference?

The best clues to whether a child has type 1 or type 2 diabetes is a combination of factors doctors consider. This includes the child's age and other factors like the presence of proteins called islet autoantibodies in the bloodstream. This is a sign there is an immune attack happening against the beta cells. For a child diagnosed with diabetes, islet autoantibodies indicate type 1 diabetes.

Are there different stages of type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes also has a presymptomatic phase, where children will have signs of an autoimmune attack against the beta cells but will not have symptoms of diabetes.

In stage 1 type 1 diabetes, people will have two or more islet autoantibodies repeatedly present in the blood, but have normal blood sugars. The likelihood of developing full-blown type 1 diabetes in their lifetime is extremely high, but it may not happen for years.

In stage 2 type 1 diabetes, two or more islet autoantibodies are repeatedly present, and blood sugars are in the pre-diabetes range.

Stage 3 type 1 diabetes is the classic stage where most people receive their diagnosis. Children will typically have symptoms of diabetes and will have blood sugars in the diabetes range.

How is type 1 diabetes treated?

Diabetes can be treated by giving back the very hormone that is missing: insulin.

Insulin may be given as several daily injections with either pens or syringes with very thin and short needles. Insulin injections are most commonly given in the upper part of the arms, in the front of the thighs and in the fatty skin of the belly.

Insulin can also be given through a small wearable device often referred to as an insulin "pump." The pump delivers insulin through a tiny tube under the skin.

A healthy diet is also very important in type 1 diabetes. Insulin dosing needs to be matched with the amount of sugar (carbohydrates) taken in. Being physically active is also key, and insulin often needs to be reduced at times of physical activity.

How are blood sugar levels monitored?

Treatment for type 1 diabetes is aimed at normalizing blood sugar levels. However, this is not a simple task. Blood sugars need to be monitored frequently in type 1 diabetes. This can be done with a blood glucose meter, a portable device that tests a drop of blood placed on a test strip inserted into the meter.

Monitoring can also be done with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A CGM uses a small sensor to continuously measure the glucose level in the space under the skin.

An automated insulin delivery system (AID, also called an "artificial pancreas") is another option. With an AID, an insulin pump and a CGM communicate with each other to help regulate the blood sugars.

Are some children at higher risk for type 1 diabetes?
Advances in screening have made it possible to assess the risk of developing type 1 diabetes before symptoms appear. People at higher risk, including those with a relative with type 1 diabetes, may be eligible for screening through a research study. And other options may be available for those without a type 1 diabetes relative.

Can type 1 diabetes be prevented or delayed?

While type 1 diabetes cannot yet be fully prevented, newer medications can help delay its onset in certain high-risk individuals.

For those at high risk who show early signs of blood sugar abnormalities (stage 2 type 1 diabetes), an FDA-approved medication is available that can delay the progression to full-blown (stage 3) type 1 diabetes by an average of 2 years. It works by targeting specific immune cells responsible for attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, helping to slow progression of the disease.

Remember

With early detection, timely treatment and the support of primary care providers and pediatric endocrinologists, the management and prognosis of type 1 diabetes continues to improve. This means families can navigate the disease more effectively and embrace a healthier future.

More information

About Dr. Bruggeman

Brittany S. Bruggeman, MD, FAAP is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Endocrinology and a pediatric endocrinologist and type 1 diabetes physician scientist at the University of Florida. Dr. Bruggeman is also on the Florida AAP Board of Directors.

About Dr. Ebo

Chineze Ebo, MD, FAAP, is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Endocrinology and a Pediatric Endocrinology fellow at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Ebo is also a member of the Ohio AAP chapter.

American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Endocrinology (Copyright © 2025)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Type 1 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a disease caused by a lack of insulin. Insulin is needed to allow sugar to move from the bloodstream into the cells to be used for energy. In this article, pediatric endocrinologists describe symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of T1D in children and teens.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Definition: Insulin | Rady Children’s Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Insulin is a hormone that lowers the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Your diabetes care team will let you know what type(s) of insulin your child should take and when.

The following videos explain insulin, how it works, and the types of insulins available. You'll learn how to store insulin properly and how to prepare to inject it. It will also walk you through a step-by-step process of injecting insulin.

View these videos as often as needed and share them with others.
Pause and review whenever necessary.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Introduction to Insulin for Children & Families | UMass Memorial Pediatric Diabetes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about different types of insulin and how to inject it to treat type 1 diabetes or type 2 Diabetes Mellitus from the UMass Memorial Diabetes Pediatric Care Team

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Musculoskeletal System | Educational Videos for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From skull to toe, the bones in your skeleton are specialized to support and protect your body.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
“The thigh bone’s connected to knee bone . . .” You may know the words to the song, but muscles and joints are also in between those bones. Find out all bones, muscles, and joints in these articles just for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Your Heart & Circulatory System (for Kids) - Norton Children’s

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your heart is a hard-working muscle. Find out more in this article for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Important words about the circulatory system!

Arteries - They take the blood with oxygen away from the heart and spreads it around your body.

Atria - The upper chambers of the heart.

Blood - A liquid tissue that circulates throughout the body, it is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma.

Blood vessels - Tubes that carry blood around the body.

Cardiovascular system - Another name for the circulatory system, see below.

Circulatory system - A network of organs and blood vessels that work together to circulate blood around the body.

Deoxygenated blood - Blood without oxygen.

Heart - The organ that pumps blood around your body.

Organs - Parts of our body that have a function like the skin, lungs, heart, stomach et al.

Oxygenated blood - Blood with oxygen.

Platelets - Help the blood to clot and stop bleeding.

Plasma - A liquid that carries nutrients, water and sugar around the body.

Pulse - A measure of how fast your heart is beating.

Red blood cells - They carry oxygen to the body's cells.

Veins - A type of blood vessel that takes deoxygenated blood to your heart.

Ventricles - The lower chambers of the heart.

White blood cells - They defend the body and help to fight infection.

Haemoglobin - A red coloured protein that carries oxygen.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The circulatory system - KS2 Science curriculum - BBC Bitesize

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about the circulatory system with these interactive learning resources for KS2 Science students aged 7-11 from BBC Bitesize.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The heart and how it works - Body systems: Video playlist - BBC Bitesize

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An introduction to the human heart, its location within the body and its work as a pump.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Skeletal muscles - Body systems: Video playlist - BBC Bitesize

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Looking at the role of skeletal muscles in moving parts of the body.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Integumentary System: What It Is, Function & Organs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The integumentary system is your body’s outer layer and its first line of defense against bacteria. It consists of the skin, hair, nails and glands.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Facts Just for Kids, Teachers and Parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this section you’ll learn about the integumentary system. You’ll learn about the human integumentary system, how it protects the body, and other facts about it. Integumentary System Facts for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Facts Just for Kids, Teachers and Parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this section you’ll learn about the integumentary system. You’ll learn about the human integumentary system, how it protects the body, and other facts about it. Integumentary System Facts for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Having a bad hair day? Find out all about hair in this article for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Can you imagine yourself with gray hair someday? Find out why it happens in this article for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Your Heart & Circulatory System (for Kids)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your heart is a hard-working muscle. Find out more in this article for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Human Heart Primary Resource - National Geographic Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Download our free primary resource sheet about the human heart: tailored to the curriculum, this science resource helps pupils learn how the heart works

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about the circulatory system with this Year 6 Bitesize Science guide.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Did you ever wonder why your favorite foods taste so good? Well, you can thank your taste buds for letting you appreciate the saltiness of pretzels and the sweetness of ice cream.

Where Are Taste Buds?

Taste buds are sensory organs that are found on your tongue and allow you to experience tastes that are sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. How exactly do your taste buds work? Well, stick out your tongue and look in the mirror.

See all those bumps? Those are called papillae (say: puh-PILL-ee), and most of them contain taste buds. Taste buds have very sensitive microscopic hairs called microvilli (say: mye-kro-VILL-eye). Those tiny hairs send messages to the brain about how something tastes, so you know if it's sweet, sour, bitter, or salty.

The average person has about 10,000 taste buds and they're replaced every 2 weeks or so. But as a person ages, some of those taste cells don't get replaced. An older person may only have 5,000 working taste buds. That's why certain foods may taste stronger to you than they do to adults. Smoking also can reduce the number of taste buds a person has.

But before you give taste buds all the credit for your favorite flavors, it's important to thank your nose. Olfactory (say: ahl-FAK-tuh-ree) receptors inside the uppermost part of the nose contain special cells that help you smell. They send messages to the brain.

How Do Taste Buds Work?

Here's how it works: While you're chewing, the food releases chemicals that immediately travel up into your nose. These chemicals trigger the olfactory receptors inside the nose. They work together with your taste buds to create the true flavor of that yummy slice of pizza by telling the brain all about it!

When you have a cold or allergies, and your nose is stuffy, you might notice that your food doesn't seem to have much flavor. That's because the upper part of your nose isn't clear to receive the chemicals that trigger the olfactory receptors (that inform the brain and create the sensation of flavor).

Try holding your nose the next time you eat something. You'll notice that your taste buds are able to tell your brain something about what you're eating - that it's sweet, for instance - but you won't be able to pick the exact flavor until you let go of your nose.

So the next time you chomp on an apple or slurp up some soup, thank your tongue - and your nose! Without them, life wouldn't have any flavor.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Without taste buds, life would have less flavor. Find out why in this article for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This system houses our taste buds and is responsible for detecting and perceiving taste, pain, and temperature. The signals of this system travel from our brain stem and are easily paired with emotions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access The Five Senses plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school.

Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access How Do Taste Buds Work? plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access The Tongue plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Watch Is it True We Have Taste Buds in Our Stomachs? on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Watch Is it True We Have Taste Buds in Our Stomachs? on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access Is it True We Have Taste Buds in Our Stomachs? plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school.

Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access The Endocrine System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access The Heart plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Instantly access The Circulatory System plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Anatomy of the Hand & Wrist: Bones, Muscles & Ligaments

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your hand and wrist are a complicated network of bones, muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bones for Kids | Learn about the Skeletal System for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
All Of The Bones In Your Hands | KLT Anatomy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The hand is a part of the body that extends from the end of each arm. Hands are a feature of most primates, including humans, apes, and monkeys. The hand has a flat, wide...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
eye~ eyes~ children's eyes~ vision~ vision screening~ sties~ glasses~ blind~ vision loss

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Middle childhood is a common time for the recognition of vision problems, especially when children first have assigned seats in classrooms. Vision screening, an important part of your child's checkups, may reveal the need for further vision testing.