We noted in chapter 13 that if a multicellular organism is to function as an integrated homeostatic whole, it needs mechanisms of intercellular communication–mainly the nervous and endocrine systems. Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system and the diagnosis and treatment of its dysfunctions. To begin this chapter, we survey the endocrine glands, their hormones, their target organs, and the effects the hormones produce. Having established this "cast of characters," we then delve into the details of how hormones act on their target cells.

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