Navigation Menu Search PhysiologyWeb
PhysiologyWeb Logo
PhysiologyWeb
  Home  |  FAQ  |  About  |  Contact  |   - Sign In
 Search PhysiologyWeb
   
Home > Glossary > E > Endocrine gland

Glossary of Physiology Terms -
Endocrine gland

— share —
Share on Facebook    Share on X    Share on LinkedIn    Share on Pinterest    Share on Reddit    Email    Copy URL

Endocrine gland

Definition:
Endocrine glands contain clusters of endocrine cells, whose function is to is to release hormones into the bloodstream.

Endocrine glands are ductless glands in that their secretions do not enter a duct (as for example with salivary glands). Rather, endocrine glands release their secretions (i.e., messenger molecules) into the interstitial fluid in highly vascularized regions, where the molecules then enter the bloodstream. The chemical messenger molecule that is released into the bloodstream is referred to as a hormone.

Related glossary terms/phrases:
Endocrine cell
Hormone




Posted: Friday, July 26, 2013
Last updated: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
— share —
Share on Facebook    Share on X    Share on LinkedIn    Share on Pinterest    Share on Reddit    Email    Copy URL