Introduction to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

2. INTRODUCTION TO
THE HUMAN ENDOCRINE
SYSTEM AND EDCs
I. BACKGROUND ON THE HUMAN ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
The endocrine system consists of a series of glands that are distributed throughout
the body (Figure 1). Each gland produces one or more hormones. Hormones
are natural chemicals that are produced in cells within a gland and released into
the circulatory system, where they travel through the bloodstream until they
reach a target tissue or organ. There, they bind to specific receptors, triggering
a response such as production of another hormone, a change in metabolism, a
Figure 1. Diagram of major endocrine glands in the human body,
shown in a female (left) and male (right).
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