The core vocabulary of hormones and glands — defined in clear English for nursing and medical students.
Last updated: September 9, 2026
Endocrinology is the study of hormones and the glands that make them. This page defines the essential terms in plain English, from glands to common hormonal conditions.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hormone | A chemical messenger released into the blood by a gland. |
| Endocrine gland | A gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream. |
| Pituitary gland | The "master gland" at the base of the brain that controls other glands. |
| Thyroid gland | The gland in the neck that regulates metabolism. |
| Adrenal gland | A gland above each kidney that makes cortisol and adrenaline. |
| Pancreas | The gland that produces insulin and glucagon to control blood sugar. |
| Insulin | The hormone that lowers blood sugar by moving glucose into cells. |
| Glucagon | The hormone that raises blood sugar. |
| Cortisol | The main stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. |
| Thyroxine (T4) | The main thyroid hormone, which sets the body’s metabolic rate. |
| Metabolism | The sum of the chemical processes that produce and use energy. |
| Diabetes mellitus | A disease of high blood sugar from a lack of, or resistance to, insulin. |
| Hyperglycemia | High blood sugar. |
| Hypoglycemia | Low blood sugar. |
| Hypothyroidism | An underactive thyroid, which slows metabolism. |
| Hyperthyroidism | An overactive thyroid, which speeds up metabolism. |
| Goiter | An enlarged thyroid gland. |
| Polydipsia | Excessive thirst. |
| Polyuria | Excessive urination. |
| Cushing's syndrome | A condition caused by too much cortisol. |
| Endocrinologist | A doctor who specializes in hormonal and gland disorders. |
| Hypophysis | Another name for the pituitary gland. |
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Yes. This vocabulary is core to US health programs — nursing school and NCLEX prep, pre-med, and medical assistant training. MediLearn lets you drill these terms with quizzes and flashcards using spaced repetition.
The gland in the neck that regulates metabolism.
A disease of high blood sugar from a lack of, or resistance to, insulin.
Excessive thirst.