Hormones have many different functions and modes of action one hormone may have several effects on different target organs, and, conversely, one target organ may be affected by more than one hormone.Įndocrinology is the study of the endocrine system in the human body. Therefore, endocrine glands are regarded as ductless glands. The endocrine system consists of several glands, all in different parts of the body, that secrete hormones directly into the blood rather than into a duct system.
Specializations include behavioral endocrinology and comparative endocrinology. It is also concerned with the integration of developmental events proliferation, growth, and differentiation, and the psychological or behavioral activities of metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sleep, digestion, respiration, excretion, mood, stress, lactation, movement, reproduction, and sensory perception caused by hormones. Thyroid function tests, Blood sugar levelsĮndocrinology (from endocrine + -ology) is a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions known as hormones.
Illustration depicting the primary endocrine organs of a femaleĭiabetes, Thyroid disease, Androgen excess