The Endocrine System

This is an integrated textbook on the endocrine system, covering the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the system, all presented in a clinically relevant context appropriate for the first two years of the medical student course. One of the seven volumes in the Systems of the Body series. Concise text covers the core anatomy, physiology and biochemistry in an integrated manner as required by system- and problem-based medical courses. The basic science is presented in the clinical context in a way appropriate for the early part of the medical course. There is a linked website providing self-assessment material ideal for examination preparation.

How the Endocrine System Works is not another standard introduction to endocrinology, but an innovative and fun way to learn about the importance of the key glands in the human body and the hormones they control. It is explained in 9 easy-to-understand lectures, with additional material on the treatment and management of endocrine disorders. How the Endocrine System Works: • Is designed for those in need of a concise introduction to this fascinating area of medicine • Has been rigorously updated to reflect today’s endocrinology teaching • Includes more focus on the treatment and management of endocrine disorders • Features more on evidence-based medicine, obesity, epidemiology, and biostatistics • Includes summaries of key research which affects diagnostic criteria • Includes brand new case-based review questions at the end of each chapter • Features full-color diagrams throughout How the Endocrine System Works is the perfect introduction for all medical students, as well as for students of bioscience, and other healthcare disciplines.

This book focuses on hormones, and on how they are produced in very diverse regions of the body in humans and animals. But hormones can be found not only in vertebrates, but also in insects, shellfish, spiders, mollusks, even at the origin of metazoan diversification and exhibit the same pathways of synthesis. The book addresses the different classes of hormones: protein/peptides hormones, steroids and juvenile hormones and hormones like catecholamines, thyroid hormones and melatonin. It also discusses the types of hormone receptors, the majority of which are heptahelical G-protein coupled receptors or nuclear receptors. Particular attention is paid to the organs where hormones are created, with specifics on hormonal production and release, while a dedicated chapter details hormonal regulation from very simple to highly complex schemes. The remarkable kinetics of hormones production are also shown, before the book is rounded out by chapters on evolution in the endocrine system, the genetics of endocrine diseases and doping.

This book is designed as an introductory text in neuroendocrinology; the study of the interaction between the brain and endocrine system and the influence of this on behaviour. The endocrine glands, pituitary gland and hypothalamus and their interactions and hormones are discussed. The action of steroid and thyroid hormone receptors and the regulation of target cell response to hormones is examined. The function of neuropeptides is discussed with respect to the neuroendocrine system and behaviour. The neuroimmune system and lymphokines are described and the interaction between the neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems discussed. Finally, methods for studying hormonal influences on behaviour are outlined. Each chapter has review and essay questions designed for advanced students and honours or graduate students with a background in neuroscience, respectively.

Existing textbooks on endocrinology do not link theory to the practical world, and thus lead to students asking themselves “What should I do with all this knowledge?” This volume reduces the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical applications through clinical references that reflect current trends in the management of endocrine disorders. Clinical problems included at the end of some chapters will help medical students to practice diagnosing and treating common hormonal disorders. Each topic also ends with a list of suggested reading that will allow the reader to gain further insights.

Concepts of Biology is designed for the single-semester introduction to biology course for non-science majors, which for many students is their only college-level science course. As such, this course represents an important opportunity for students to develop the necessary knowledge, tools, and skills to make informed decisions as they continue with their lives. Rather than being mired down with facts and vocabulary, the typical non-science major student needs information presented in a way that is easy to read and understand. Even more importantly, the content should be meaningful. Students do much better when they understand why biology is relevant to their everyday lives. For these reasons, Concepts of Biology is grounded on an evolutionary basis and includes exciting features that highlight careers in the biological sciences and everyday applications of the concepts at hand.We also strive to show the interconnectedness of topics within this extremely broad discipline. In order to meet the needs of today's instructors and students, we maintain the overall organization and coverage found in most syllabi for this course. A strength of Concepts of Biology is that instructors can customize the book, adapting it to the approach that works best in their classroom. Concepts of Biology also includes an innovative art program that incorporates critical thinking and clicker questions to help students understand--and apply--key concepts.