17.1 Endocrine System Introduction

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.