Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Sistema endocrino
Endocrine system (EN-doh-krin SIS-tem)
A system of glands and cells that make hormones that are released directly into the blood and travel to tissues and organs all over the body. The endocrine system controls growth, sexual development, sleep, hunger, and the way the body uses food.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.