Endogenous means produced or beginning within an organism or within one of the organism's parts. Some infections are described as endogenous if they arise from causes within the body. Some forms of depression are described as endogenous if there is no clear outside cause (such as the death of a loved one). Endogenous forms of depression are thought to be due to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. It should be noted that most disorders in medicine are exogenous, meaning that they are caused by factors outside of the body, such as injuries or poisonings.

Endogenous is also known as endogenic. Endogenous comes from the Greek word "endon" meaning "within," the Greek word "gen" meaning "production," and the Latin word "osus" meaning "full of." Put the words together and you have "full of production within."

Back to main page Contact MedFriendly.com Copyright © 2001, MedFriendly.com. All rights reserved. You may not reprint or redisplay this material for commercial use without the express written consent of MedFriendly.com. Use of MedFriendly.com is subject to reading this disclaimer & the terms and conditions.