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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...

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...

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.

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.

Hormonal Regulation

Hormonal Regulation

Hormones regulate a significant portion of digestion through activation of the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system of digestion contains many different hormones all with multiple functions that are both, directly and indirectly, involved in digestion.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Author Spotlight: Insights into Cardiometabolic Diseases with Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Microvasculature Studies

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Published on: April 5, 2024

EndoCompass project: endocrinology across the lifespan.

Evelien F Gevers^1,2, Martine Cools^3,4, Anita C Hokken-Koelega⁵

¹Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom.

European Journal of Endocrinology

|October 17, 2025

Summary

Endocrine science research needs strategic prioritization across all life stages to address hormone health challenges. The EndoCompass project identified key priorities for European research funding, emphasizing lifespan approaches for better health outcomes.

Keywords:

EndoCompass aging lifespan roadmap

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Area of Science:

Endocrinology and hormone health research.

Background:

Endocrine science is under-represented in European Union research programs.
A gap exists between the societal impact of endocrine disorders and research funding prioritization.
The EndoCompass project aimed to identify strategic research priorities in endocrine science.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify and promote strategic research priorities in endocrine science.
To address critical hormone-related health challenges across the lifespan.
To provide an evidence-based roadmap for hormone regulation research.

Main Methods:

Analysis of the EU CORDIS database for the Horizon 2020 framework (2014-2020).
Expert analysis of endocrine regulation and health from gametogenesis to aging.
Integration of evidence across developmental stages.

Main Results:

Key research priorities include epigenetic programming, developmental origins of adult disease, brain-gut communication, and endocrine aspects of healthy aging.
Emphasis on critical developmental windows and transgenerational effects.
Need for integrated research spanning pediatric and adult endocrinology.

Conclusions:

Coordinated, lifespan research is crucial for addressing Europe's demographic and health challenges.
Strategic investment in endocrine health across all life stages is supported by the findings.
The EndoCompass project provides a roadmap for future endocrine research and funding.