endocrine system Flashcards
Hormones are secretions from specific cells or glands in the body, and are carried to all parts through blood, but their effect is only produced in one or more specific parts of target organs or cells only. Most hormones are secreted into special glands, the endocrine glands, endo meaning inside, crine meaning secrete, meaning secrete internally.
Also called ductless glands because the secretions are pulled directly into the blood and not through any special duct. Certain hormones are also produced from some glands or body parts which otherwise have different primary functions e.g. the stomach and duodenum.
Endocrine system consists of several glands or glandular cells which bring about overall common function of chemical coordination in the body. Almost all endocrine glands act in a coordinated manner, they activate each other and work as a system of organs called endocrine system.
