Introduction to the molecular organization of the endocrine/reproductive system

Abstract

The endocrine system developed during evolution from single cells to multi-cellular organisms as a means of communication through chemical signals that coordinates multiple organic functions. The investigation of these chemical signals in the early years of the twentieth century gave origin to the science of endocrinology, which refers to the study of a group of specialized secretory organs called endocrine glandsthat deliver their products, called hormonesor first messengers, directly into the interstitial space and enter the circulatory system. Endocrine glands are called internal glandsto differentiate from exocrine glands, which deliver their products through ducts into the gastrointestinal tract or outside the body. © 2009 Springer-Verlag US.