Rathke cleft cysts are noncancerous fluid-filled growths that develop between the parts of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. They develop while a baby is growing in the uterus. A Rathke cleft cyst develops from a piece of the fetus' developing Rathke pouch, which ultimately becomes part of the pituitary gland.

Detailed information on hormones and their role in the workings of the endocrine system

Cushing syndrome is a hormonal disorder. It’s caused when you have high levels of the hormone cortisol over a long time. Cushing's syndrome is fairly rare. It most often affects adults who are 20 to 50 years old. It is sometimes called hypercortisolism.

A pheochromocytoma is a rare type of tumor. It grows in the middle of an adrenal gland. A pheochromocytoma causes the adrenal glands to make too much of the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones help keep your heart rate and blood pressure normal.

Detailed anatomical description of human pancreas, including simple definitions and labeled, full-color illustrations.

A thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of tissue from your thyroid gland. Cells are removed through a small, hollow needle. The sample is sent to the lab for analysis.

Your pancreas plays a major role in digestion. It is located inside your abdomen, just behind your stomach, and it is about the size of your hand.

Hypoparathyroidism occurs when 1 or more of your parathyroid glands are underactive. Here's what you need to know.

Hypothyroidism is the most common type of thyroid disorder. It means your thyroid gland is not active enough. This tiny gland is found in your neck. Its job is to make thyroid hormone. If the gland is underactive, it may not make enough thyroid hormone.

Hyperparathyroidism occurs when 1 or more of your parathyroid glands are overactive. You have 4 of these tiny glands. Each 1 is about the size of a grain of rice. They are found in your neck, next to the thyroid gland. They keep the amount of calcium in your blood in a normal range. If these glands are overactive, they make too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). That raises the level of calcium in your blood.

Thyroiditis is when your thyroid gland becomes irritated. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common type of this health problem. It is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when your body makes antibodies that attack the cells in your thyroid. The thyroid then can’t make enough of the thyroid hormone.

Hypopituitarism happens when your pituitary gland is not active enough. As a result the gland does not make enough hormones.

Hyperthyroidism means your thyroid gland is too active. This tiny gland is found in your neck. An overactive thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. This makes your metabolism work at a faster rate.

Adrenal insufficiency is a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands don't make enough of the hormone cortisol. This hormone controls blood pressure and affects how your immune system works.

Detailed information on the anatomy and function of the pituitary gland.

Acromegaly is abnormal growth that occurs when an adult's pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone. The abnormal growth starts in your hands and feet, as soft tissue begins to swell. This rare disease affects mostly middle-aged people.

Detailed information on the adrenal gland, its anatomy and function

Detailed information on parathyroid tumors, including symptoms and treatment

Detailed information on parathyroid glands, including anatomy and function.

Your body has 2 adrenal glands. They are found on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands make certain types of hormones. If they make too much of (overproduce) these hormones, they are called overactive.

Detailed information on disorders of the parathyroid gland

Detailed information on endocrine disorders

Detailed information on pituitary gland disorders, including acromegaly, diabetes insipidus, empty sella syndrome, hypopituitarism, and pituitary gland tumors

Detailed information on pancreas disorders, including pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer

Detailed information on disorders of the adrenal glands