Unit 7 Introduction

The functions of organs, tissues, and the cells of which they are made are coordinated by chemicals. One category of these regulatory chemicals is hormones. Hormones are produced by the cells of endocrine glands. The medical term, endo|crine, is made from the word parts, endo, which means “inside,” and crin which means “to secrete.” So, endocrine glands secrete hormones inside the body into the fluid that surrounds the cells. From this extracellular fluid, hormones travel into and through the bloodstream to affect cells, tissues, and organs throughout the body. The endocrine system is comprised of the organs (glands) that secrete hormones.

Objectives

After completing this unit, you should be able to:

• State word parts associated with the endocrine (hormonal) system.
• Recognize word parts used to describe diseases of the endocrine system.
• Name abbreviations used in association with the endocrine system.