Endocrinology (from
Greek ,
endon, "within"; ,
krino, "to separate"; and , ) is a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the
endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions known as
hormones. It is also concerned with the integration of developmental events proliferation, growth, and differentiation, and the psychological or behavioral activities of
metabolism,
growth and development,
tissue function,
sleep,
digestion,
respiration,
excretion,
mood,
stress,
lactation,
movement,
reproduction, and
sensory perception caused by hormones. Specializations include behavioral endocrinology and
comparative endocrinology.