What is the definition of endocrinology?

The definition of endocrinology is centered on the study of hormones and the glands that produce and secrete them. This field encompasses the examination of how hormones regulate various physiological processes, including metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sleep, and mood, among others. Endocrinology involves understanding the intricate feedback mechanisms and interactions between different hormones and glands, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas.

While the study of metabolic diseases, human genetics, and the nervous system are important areas of medical and biological sciences, they do not specifically define endocrinology. Metabolic diseases may involve hormonal imbalances, but they are not exclusively about hormones and glands. Similarly, human genetics focuses on the heredity and variation of traits based on genetic information, and the nervous system relates to the functioning and diseases of the brain and nerves. Endocrinology is distinct in its focus on glands and hormones, making the correct answer a precise reflection of its scope.