Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

What is the Endocrine System?

What is the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system sends hormones—chemical signals—through the bloodstream to target cells—the cells the hormones selectively affect. These signals are produced in endocrine cells, secreted into the extracellular fluid, and then diffuse into the blood. Eventually, they diffuse out of the blood and bind to target cells which have specialized receptors to recognize the hormones.

Endocrine Signaling

Endocrine Signaling

Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.

Endocrine Signaling

Endocrine Signaling

Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.

An Overview of the Endocrine System

An Overview of the Endocrine System

The endocrine system, a complex network of glands, orchestrates physiological balance within the body through the production and secretion of hormones. These hormones are chemical messengers in intercellular communication, acting as conduits between the secretory cells and distant target sites. They traverse the circulatory system by being released into the extracellular fluid, and their impact is specific to cells possessing receptors for a particular hormone.
The endocrine system collaborates...

Structures of the Endocrine System

Structures of the Endocrine System

The intricate framework of the endocrine system encompasses a diverse array of glands, with their target tissues and organs strategically distributed throughout the body. Central to this network are the endocrine glands, specialized structures that lack ducts and release hormones directly into the interstitial fluid. Notably, the hypothalamus, a vital neuroendocrine organ situated in the brain, governs neural functions and serves as a potent source of hormonal regulation. Near the hypothalamus...

The Endocrine System

The Endocrine System

The endocrine system is an extensive network of glands – organs or tissues in the body that create chemicals that control many bodily functions, that secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that play essential roles in regulating various bodily functions. These hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. They require specific receptors to convey signals to cells possessing these corresponding receptors. This complex signaling mechanism ensures that every...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Microbiome histidine competition mediates dietary control of systemic imidazole propionate.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2026

Same author

Assessing Extracellular Vesicle Proteins as Predictive Biomarkers for Developing Type 1 Diabetes.

Proteomics·2026

Same author

Evaluation and management of worsening virilization in a postmenopausal woman diagnosed with PCOS.

Journal of the Endocrine Society·2026

Same author

Evidence for actions of estrone distinct from those of estradiol.

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism·2026

Same author

Establishment of harmonized international reference ranges for plasma estradiol concentrations in postmenopausal women.

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism·2026

Same author

Beta cell microRNAs function as molecular hubs of type 1 diabetes pathogenesis and as biomarkers of diabetes risk.

Diabetologia·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

Ole Isacson: Development of New Therapies for Parkinson's Disease

Ole Isacson: Development of New Therapies for Parkinson's Disease

Published on: April 29, 2007

Insights into mentorship for endocrinologists.

Emma Eggleston¹, Zhenqi Liu, Raghavendra G Mirmira

¹Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-1416, USA.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism

|September 13, 2012

Summary

Effective mentorship is crucial for academic medicine careers. Understanding key mentor characteristics helps trainees select mentors and allows mentors to set expectations, fostering better communication and training.

More Related Videos

Endothelial Cell Co-culture Mediates Maturation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell to Pancreatic Insulin Producing Cells in a Directed Differentiation Approach

Endothelial Cell Co-culture Mediates Maturation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell to Pancreatic Insulin Producing Cells in a Directed Differentiation Approach

Published on: March 27, 2012

Studying Adipose Endothelial Cell/Adipocyte Cross-Talk in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

Studying Adipose Endothelial Cell/Adipocyte Cross-Talk in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

Published on: April 5, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 18, 2026

Ole Isacson: Development of New Therapies for Parkinson's Disease

Ole Isacson: Development of New Therapies for Parkinson's Disease

Published on: April 29, 2007

Endothelial Cell Co-culture Mediates Maturation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell to Pancreatic Insulin Producing Cells in a Directed Differentiation Approach

Endothelial Cell Co-culture Mediates Maturation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell to Pancreatic Insulin Producing Cells in a Directed Differentiation Approach

Published on: March 27, 2012

Studying Adipose Endothelial Cell/Adipocyte Cross-Talk in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

Studying Adipose Endothelial Cell/Adipocyte Cross-Talk in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

Published on: April 5, 2024

Area of Science:

Medical Education
Endocrinology
Academic Medicine

Background:

Mentorship is vital for medical training and academic careers.
The Endocrine Society recognized the need for mentorship guidance.
A study was initiated to assess mentorship literature and gather expert opinions.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify and prioritize essential mentorship elements.
To develop practical recommendations for academic endocrinologists.
To enhance the mentor-mentee relationship in academic settings.

Main Methods:

Literature review on mentorship in academic medicine.
Surveys and discussions with endocrinologists, faculty, and trainees.
Analysis of opinions on key mentorship characteristics.

Main Results:

Mentorship has a multigenerational multiplier effect.
Informed trainees make better mentor choices.
Clear expectations improve mentor-mentee communication.

Conclusions:

Understanding mentorship characteristics benefits both mentors and mentees.
Leveraging expectation differences can improve communication and curricula.
Effective mentorship is foundational for career success in academic endocrinology.