Endocrinology: What Is The Endocrine System?

Endocrinology is a specialty of medicine; some would say a sub-specialty of internal medicine, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to hormones.

Endocrinology covers such human functions as the coordination of metabolism, respiration, reproduction, sensory perception, and movement. Endocrinology also focuses on the endocrine glands and tissues that secrete hormones.

The word "endocrinology" comes from the Greek endon meaning "within", and the Greek krinein meaning "to separate".

What is the endocrine system?

The human endocrine system consists of a number of glands. These glands produce and secrete hormones which control the body's metabolism, growth, sexual development and function. When the hormones leave the glands they enter the bloodstream and are transported to organs and tissues in every part of the body.