17.1 Endocrine System Introduction
Learning Objectives
- Apply the rules of medical language to build, analyze, spell, pronounce, abbreviate, and define terms as they relate to the endocrine system
- Identify meanings of key word components of the endocrine system
- Categorize diagnostic, therapeutic, procedural, or anatomic terms related to the endocrine system
- Use terms related to the endocrine system
- Use terms related to the diseases and disorders of the endocrine system
Introduction to Endocrine System
The endocrine system is the body’s “chemical messenger system.” The major glands of the endocrine system secrete specialized chemical messengers called hormones into the bloodstream. The hormones travel to target organs and tissues where they initiate specific physiological responses.
This chapter will review common word components related to the endocrine system to assist learners in analyzing, building, and defining medical terms. Other terms, whose definitions cannot be easily built from word components, will be described in context based on the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system and common diseases and disorders. Medical specialists, diagnostic tests, and procedures related to the endocrine system will also be discussed.
View a supplementary YouTube video[1] on the endocrine system from Crash Course: Endocrine System, Part 1 – Glands & Hormones: Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology #23
- CrashCourse. (2015, June 22). Endocrine system, Part 1 - Glands & hormones: Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology #23 [Video]. YouTube. All rights reserved. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWHH9je2zG4 ↵