Blood is vital to bodily function. Read this article for the basics about blood, blood cells, blood diseases, and more.

Without bones, muscles, and joints, we couldn't stand, walk, run, or even sit. The musculoskeletal system supports our bodies, protects our organs from injury, and enables movement.

The brain controls everything we do, and is often likened to the central computer within a vast, complicated communication network, working at lightning speed.

The digestive process starts even before the first bite of food. Find out more about the digestive system and how our bodies break down and absorb the food we eat.

The eyes are small compared with most of the body's other organs, but their structure is incredibly complex. Learn more about eyes, vision, and common problems with both.

Learning about the female reproductive system, what it does, and the problems that can affect it can help you better understand your daughter's reproductive health.

The heart and circulatory system are our body's lifeline, delivering blood to the body's tissues. Brush up on your ticker with this body basics article.

The immune system, composed of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs that protect against germs and microorganisms, is the body's defense against disease.

The bean-shaped kidneys, each about the size of a child's fist, perform several functions essential to health. Their most important role is to filter blood and produce urine.

By the time we're 70 years old, we will have taken at least 600 million breaths. All of this breathing couldn't happen without the respiratory system.

Understanding the male reproductive system, what it does, and problems that can affect it can help you better understand your son's reproductive health.

Brush up on metabolism basics - including common metabolic disorders - in this article.

Our mouth and teeth play an important role in our daily lives. Here's a course on the basics - including common problems of the mouth and teeth.

Our skin protects the network of tissues, muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and everything else inside our bodies. Hair and nails are actually modified types of skin.

The lymphatic system is an extensive drainage network that helps keep bodily fluid levels in balance and defends the body against infections.

Learn about genetic disorders and diseases and conditions that affect the blood.

ALL is the most common type of leukemia, affecting nearly 75% of kids who have this cancer of the blood cells. With treatment, most recover.

Among kids with leukemia, 20% have this form of the blood cancer. With treatment, most recover.

Alpha thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing alpha globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

Anemia happens when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells in the body. It can be caused by many things, including dietary problems, medical treatments, and inherited conditions.

Beta thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing beta globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

These cancers are the most common type of cancer in children. When discovered early, they often can be cured.

Brain tumors are the second most common group of childhood cancers. Treatment requires a very specialized plan involving a team of medical specialists.

These surgically placed tubes let kids get blood drawn and receive intravenous (IV) medicines and fluids without repeated needle sticks.

Chemotherapy medications are used to treat cancer throughout the body by killing actively dividing cells. Learn more about chemo.

Different kinds of childhood cancer have different signs, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. But today, over 80% of all children with cancer live 5 years or more.

While this type of blood cancer is more common in adults, it affects children, too. Thanks to advances in therapy, most kids with CML can be cured.

This type of cancer mainly affects adolescents and usually develops in the arms, legs, ribs, spinal column, and pelvis. With early diagnosis and treatment, many kids with Ewing sarcoma have a good chance of recovery.

Germ cell tumors happen when reproductive cells in an unborn baby don't develop as they should.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

Learn about this type of blood cancer that usually affects kids under 2 years old.

Long-term side effects, or late effects, happen to many cancer survivors. With early diagnosis and proper follow-up care, most late effects can be treated or cured.

Leukemia refers to cancers of the white blood cells (also called leukocytes or WBCs). With the proper treatment, the outlook for kids who are diagnosed with leukemia is quite good.

Treatment for these abnormal growths (which can be cancerous or noncancerous) may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.

Lymphoma is cancer that begins in the body's lymphatic tissue. It's a common type of cancer in children, but most recover from it.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Find out how to lower your family's risk of getting melanoma and how doctors treat it.

Learn about neuroblastoma, a rare type of childhood cancer that develops in infants and young children.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) can cause tumors to grow on nerve tissue, producing skin and bone abnormalities. Learn more about NF, including how it's diagnosed and treated.

Certain cancers, or cancer treatment, can weaken the immune system, requiring a child to stay home to avoid exposure to germs. Here are ways to help your child make the best of it.

A lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The majority of kids with this type of cancer are cured.

Eating as well as possible and staying hydrated can help kids undergoing cancer treatment keep up their strength and deal with side effects. These tips can help.

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer. Boys are more likely to have osteosarcoma than girls, and most cases of osteosarcoma involve the knee.

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, irradiation, or X-ray therapy, is one of the most common forms of cancer treatment.

Retinoblastoma is a childhood cancer that affects the retina, the area of the eye responsible for sensing light and sending nerve signals to the brain.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancerous tumor that shows up in the body's soft tissues. With early diagnosis and timely treatment, most kids make a full recovery.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Wilms tumor is a cancer of the kidneys that usually affects newborns and the very young. Fortunately, most kids with Wilms tumor survive and go on to live normal, healthy lives.

Experiencing and dealing with anxieties can prepare young people to handle the unsettling experiences and challenging situations of life.

Taking care of a chronically ill child is one of the most draining and difficult tasks a parent can face. But support groups, social workers, and family friends often can help.

By being aware of what healthy siblings are going through and taking a few steps to make things a little easier for them, parents can help kids cope.

Being a kid doesn't always mean being carefree - even the youngest tots worry. Find out what stresses kids out and how to help them cope.

It's normal for kids to have hair loss, skin changes, or weight gain during treatment. This article offers tips for helping kids feel better about their appearance.

Depression is the most common mental health disorder in the U.S. If you think your child is depressed, you'll want to learn more about what depression is, what causes it, and what you can do to help.

Finding that perfect person to care for your child can be a challenge. These resources can help.

Stress from things like school and social situations can feel overwhelming for kids. But by teaching healthy coping strategies, you'll prepare your kids to manage stress.

All kids to worry at times, and some may worry more than others. But parents can help kids manage worry and tackle everyday problems with ease. Find out how.

Can spirituality promote a healthier physical life for your family? Recent medical studies indicate that spiritual people exhibit less stress and a greater total life satisfaction.

Many families with a child in remission feel empowered to make lifestyle changes that could benefit their child's health in the future. Here are some tips.

Learn how to help kids get back into the swing of being at home and going to school.

When you're in sync with your spouse, you're better able to care for your child. Here are 10 ways to strengthen your relationship.

Help ease your child's pain and anxiety with these exercises, complete with step-by-step instructions.

It's common to put your own needs last when caring for a child you love. But to be the best you can be, you need to take care of yourself, too. Here are some tips to help you recharge.

In a KidsHealth® KidsPoll, kids talked about what they stress about the most, how they cope with these feelings, and how they want parents to help.

Sometimes, doctors need to order tests to evaluate a child's health or to understand what's causing an illness. Here are some common ones.

Doctors order biopsies to examine tissue or cells when they're concerned about a problem (such as an infection, inflammation, or cancer) in an organ.

An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) blood test is often part of an initial screening for liver problems.

A basic metabolic panel (BMP), commonly ordered as part of routine medical exam, is a set of blood tests that gives information about sugar (glucose) and calcium levels, kidney function, and electrolyte and fluid balance.

The complete blood count (CBC) is the most common blood test. It analyzes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) blood test helps evaluate kidney and liver function, sugar (glucose) and protein levels in the blood, and electrolyte and fluid balance.

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test (ESR) detects inflammation that may be caused by infection and some autoimmune diseases.

Lactate dehydrogenase (also called lactic acid dehydrogenase, or LDH) is an enzyme found in almost all body tissues. The LDH test is generally used to screen for tissue damage.

Doctors do this test to assess blood levels of magnesium, which helps the muscles and nerves function, the heart maintain normal rhythm, the bones stay strong, and the body process energy and make proteins.

A partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test is used to evaluate blood's ability to clot. It may be done as part of an evaluation for a bleeding disorder or to monitor the effects of blood-thinning medicine.

Doctors may order a phosphorus blood test to help diagnose or monitor kidney disorders, calcium and bone problems, or other conditions.

Doctors may order this test if they suspect high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. Some kids with leukemia or other types of cancer can have high levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia).

An abdominal CAT scan can detect inflammation, infection, injury or disease in the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, stomach, bowel, pancreas, adrenal glands, blood vessels, and lymph nodes.

A chest CAT scan is a painless test that uses a special X-ray machine to take black-and-white pictures of a patient's lungs, heart, blood vessels, airway passages, ribs and lymph nodes.

A head CAT scan is a painless test that uses a special X-ray machine to take pictures of a patient's brain, skull, and sinuses, as well as blood vessels in the head. It might be done to check for any number of conditions.

A neck CAT scan can detect signs of disease in the throat and surrounding areas. Doctors may order one to detect abscesses, birth defects, cysts, or tumors.

If your child is scheduled to have a lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap, read about how this test is performed and when you can expect the results.

Find out how and why doctors perform lumbar punctures (spinal taps).

Doctors order abdominal ultrasounds when they're concerned about symptoms such as abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, abnormal liver or kidney function tests, or a swollen belly.

From treatments and prevention to coping with the emotional aspects of cancer, the Cancer Center provides comprehensive information that parents need.

Liz discusses how her family dealt with her daughter Alex's cancer, and tells the inspiring story that led them to raise money for cancer research through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Find out what the experts say.

Minimally invasive surgery is a type of procedure done without the use of a large incision (cut).

Find out what the experts have to say.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Here's a quick look at what may happen before, during, and after on the day of your child's operation or procedure.

Knowing the basics of anesthesia may help answer your questions and ease some concerns — both yours and your child's.

Find out what the experts have to say.

When your child has a serious or chronic illness, it's hard to think beyond the next treatment. But with planning and communication, you can help your child balance treatment and academics.

Taking care of a chronically ill child is one of the most draining and difficult tasks a parent can face. But support groups, social workers, and family friends often can help.

These surgically placed tubes let kids get blood drawn and receive intravenous (IV) medicines and fluids without repeated needle sticks.

Chemotherapy medications are used to treat cancer throughout the body by killing actively dividing cells. Learn more about chemo.

It's normal for kids to have hair loss, skin changes, or weight gain during treatment. This article offers tips for helping kids feel better about their appearance.

Should you bank your newborn's cord blood? This article can help you decide.

While some cancer treatments have little to no effect on reproductive health, others are more likely cause temporary or permanent infertility.

Although the emotional price of raising a seriously ill child can be devastating, it's only part of the picture. Even during this difficult time, you have to consider the financial implications.

Finding that perfect person to care for your child can be a challenge. These resources can help.

It can be stressful when your child needs medical attention, and more so when you're worried about where to get that care and how much it will cost. Here are some basics on managing the health care system.

You can treat mild sunburn at home. But severe sunburn needs medical attention. Here's what to do.

Gene therapy carries the promise of cures for many diseases and for types of medical treatment most of us would not have thought possible.

Involving teens in their health care can help prepare them for managing it on their own as adults.

This promising new type of cancer treatment stimulates a person's immune system so it is better able to fight disease.

Deciding to enroll your child in a clinical study will depend on its potential benefits and risks, as well as your child's particular illness. Learn more.

Many families with a child in remission feel empowered to make lifestyle changes that could benefit their child's health in the future. Here are some tips.

The health risks of smoking are well known, yet every year many young people take up smoking. Here's how to help your kids avoid smoking or using chewing tobacco - or quit, if they've already started.

Long-term side effects, or late effects, happen to many cancer survivors. With early diagnosis and proper follow-up care, most late effects can be treated or cured.

Learn how to help kids get back into the swing of being at home and going to school.

When kids need intensive health care after they're discharged from the hospital, it's important that family and caregivers learn about the devices, equipment, and support they'll need.

Giving kids medicine safely can be a complicated task. With a little knowledge and a lot of double-checking, you can help treat your child's illness while you prevent dangerous reactions.

Minimally invasive surgery is a type of procedure done without the use of a large incision (cut).

Eating as well as possible and staying hydrated can help kids undergoing cancer treatment keep up their strength and deal with side effects. These tips can help.

The goal of palliative medical care is to prevent and relieve pain and suffering while also easing stress, anxiety, and the fear associated with serious illness.

If your child needs to have an operation, you probably have plenty of questions, many of them about anesthesia.

Good preparation can help your child feel less anxious about getting surgery. Kids of all ages cope much better if they have an idea of what's going to happen and why.

When kids know they're "going to the doctor," many become worried about the visit. Here's how to help them.

Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation therapy. It's an effective treatment for many childhood cancers.

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, irradiation, or X-ray therapy, is one of the most common forms of cancer treatment.

Help ease your child's pain and anxiety with these exercises, complete with step-by-step instructions.

Side effects of cancer treatment can include fatigue or flu-like symptoms, hair loss, and blood clotting problems. After treatment ends, most side effects gradually go away.

Stem cells help rebuild a weakened immune system. Stem cell transplants are effective treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.

Unlike the steroids that body builders use, steroids used in cancer treatment are safe and help kids feel better.

By teaching kids how to enjoy fun in the sun safely, parents can reduce their risk for developing skin cancer.

It's common to put your own needs last when caring for a child you love. But to be the best you can be, you need to take care of yourself, too. Here are some tips to help you recharge.

If your child is sick, you'll probably have many questions to ask your doctor. But have you made a list of questions and concerns to share with your pharmacist?

Building a relationship with your child's doctor requires communication and reasonable expectations.

Swallowing a pill is something that many of us take for granted. But just like any skill, learning to swallow a pill takes practice.

Here's a basic look at what each kind of anesthesia does.

Find out what the experts have to say.

What are nurse practitioners, and how do they differ from medical doctors?

Parents are likely to be stressed when a child is hospitalized, and questions about the people providing medical care and what roles they play can add to the confusion. Our guide can help.

Check out our cancer glossary for lots of easy-to-read definitions.