endógeno

Endógeno is an adjective used to describe processes, substances, or phenomena that originate within an organism, system, or structure, in contrast to exógeno, which come from outside. The term derives from the Greek endon, meaning within, and genos, origin or produced.

In biology and medicine, endógeno refers to substances produced by the organism itself, such as endógenas hormonas (for example, insulin produced by the pancreas, cortisol), enzymes, or neurotransmitters. It is also used for infections or toxins that originate from internal sources, for instance pathogens that are part of the body's normal flora or internal processes that become pathogenic. Additionally, endógenos processes describe biological rhythms and homeostatic mechanisms regulated internally, such as endogenous circadian rhythms.

In geology and earth sciences, endógeno describes internal Earth processes, including tectonics, volcanism, metamorphism, and magmatic activity. These are generated within the planet and contribute to its internal structure, contrasting with exógeno processes driven by external forces like weathering, erosion, and sediment transport.

In botany and horticulture, endógeno can refer to tissues or structures formed within the plant, developments that occur internally rather than at the surface or from external grafts. The term is common in technical or scientific Spanish and is often used alongside exógeno to distinguish internal origins from external ones.

See also exógeno; endogenous, exogenous concepts in biology and earth sciences.