Endosecretion

Endosecretion is a term that describes the process by which glands within the body release substances. These glands, known as endocrine glands, are part of the endocrine system, a network of glands that produce and secrete hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to target cells and tissues, regulating a wide range of bodily functions.

The substances secreted through endosecretion are typically hormones, but can also include other signaling molecules. These secretions are released directly into the bloodstream or surrounding interstitial fluid, rather than into ducts, distinguishing them from exocrine secretions. The precise nature and amount of endosecretion are tightly regulated by feedback mechanisms to maintain homeostasis, the body's stable internal environment.

Examples of endocrine glands that perform endosecretion include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, and gonads. Each of these glands releases specific hormones that control processes such as growth, metabolism, mood, reproduction, and stress response. Disruptions in endosecretion can lead to various endocrine disorders.