What do you mean with the word endocrine?

Answer 1

Endocrine in human (mammalian) Biology contrasts with the word exocrine. Endocrine cells - of which there are many around the body, with notable collections in the PANCREAS, the ADRENAL GLANDS and the HYPOTHALAMUS/PITUITARY COMPLEX at the base of the brain - secrete substances known collectively as HORMONES into the bloodstream. There are literally hundreds of these substances, with many whose function is still unknown; but INSULIN is an important hormone which regulates the level of glucose in the blood; two groups - MINERALOCORTICOIDS and GLUCOCORTICOIDS come from the ADRENAL glands and control the level of sodium, potassium and calcium in the blood, as well as the level of glucose (INSULIN lowers the level by causing cells to remove glucose from the bloodstream, and GLUCOCORTICOIDS increase the level when the body needs energy (such as when performing aerobic physical exercize)); THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH) is one of the secretions from the HYPO./PIT. COMPLEX, and this controls the thyroid gland, which itself is also an endocrine gland, secreting - among others - T3 and T4, which have widespread effects on the metabolism in cells throughout the body, which they stimulate. There are many more examples. but I might start to sound boring ("Too late!", you shout!).

In contrast exocrine cells - the PANCREAS being the organ with the most significant collections of these - secrete substances which are channelled into the INTESTINE, and which are important for the digestion of the various food substances.

(PANCREATITIS (particularly the ACUTE type) is an extremely dangerous condition because the secretions of the exocrineglands - which are extremely toxic - make their way into the bloodstream, causing severe tissue damage.) I hope this is helpful!