Hormones, Receptors and Control Systems: Introduction and Index

Endocrinology is the study of chemical communication systems that provide the means to control a huge number of physiologic processes. Like other communication networks, endocrine systems contain transmitters, signals and receivers that are called, respectively, hormone producing cells, hormones and receptors.

The first step in understanding endocrinology is to explore the meaning of such terms as hormone, receptor and target cell, and to obtain an understanding of how chemical communication is controlled.

Core concepts related to hormones and receptors are presented in the following topics:

• Overview of Endocrinology
• Hormones, Receptors and Target Cells
• Hormone Chemistry, Synthesis and Elimination
• Control of Endocrine Activity

Advanced and supplemental topics on fundamental endocrinology:

• Steroidogenesis

Send comments to Richard.Bowen@colostate.edu