This document summarizes key aspects of the endocrine system including: 1. Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands that regulate target organs. 2. Major endocrine glands include the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries and testes. 3. Hormones maintain homeostasis, support growth, coordinate development and reproduction, and facilitate responses to stimuli. 4. Hormones are classified by their chemical structure and can act through several mechanisms including altering gene expression or second messenger systems.