Endocrine gland

An organ or group of cells that releases hormones into blood or surrounding fluid, regulating functions in other parts of the body.

Hormone: A signaling molecule that changes the activity of target cells by binding specific receptors. Glands release these chemical signals to influence cells beyond their own tissues.
Endocrine cell: A cell that secretes hormones into blood or surrounding tissue fluid. Endocrine glands are built from cells specialized for hormone secretion.
Thyroid gland: An endocrine organ in the neck that produces thyroid hormones and calcitonin. It regulates metabolic activity and contributes to calcium balance.
Endocrine disorder: A condition caused by abnormal hormone production, release, action, or regulation. Gland dysfunction can disturb hormone-dependent processes throughout the body.
Endocrine signaling: Cell communication in which hormones travel through blood or extracellular fluid to reach target cells. It describes the long-distance communication enabled by endocrine glands.
Exocrine gland: A gland that releases its products through ducts onto an epithelial surface or into a lumen. Its duct-based secretion distinguishes it from endocrine release into fluid or blood.
Adrenal gland: An endocrine organ above each kidney, with cortex and medulla that produce distinct hormones. Its hormones help regulate stress responses, blood pressure, and salt balance.
Hypothyroidism: A state in which thyroid hormone production or availability is insufficient for the body's needs. It is a common consequence of reduced thyroid gland function.
Negative feedback: A control process in which a system's output reduces the stimulus that produced it. Feedback loops regulate hormone secretion and help keep internal conditions stable.
Secretory granule: A membrane-bound vesicle that stores molecules for regulated release from a cell. Many endocrine cells package peptide hormones in granules before secretion.

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