Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of contributors
- Preface to the first edition
- Preface to the second edition
- Preface to the third edition
- How to use this book
- Acknowledgements
- List of abbreviations
- Section 1 Clinical anaesthesia
- Section 2 Physiology
- 1 Cellular physiology
- 2 Body fluids
- 3 Haematology and immunology
- 4 Muscle physiology
- 5 Cardiac physiology
- 6 Physiology of the circulation
- 7 Renal physiology
- 8 Respiratory physiology
- 9 Physiology of the nervous system
- 10 Physiology of pain
- 11 Gastrointestinal physiology
- 12 Metabolism and temperature regulation
- 13 Endocrinology
- 14 Physiology of pregnancy
- 15 Fetal and newborn physiology
- Section 3 Pharmacology
- Section 4 Physics, clinical measurement and statistics
- Appendix: Primary FRCA syllabus
- Index
- References
13 - Endocrinology
from Section 2 - Physiology
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of contributors
- Preface to the first edition
- Preface to the second edition
- Preface to the third edition
- How to use this book
- Acknowledgements
- List of abbreviations
- Section 1 Clinical anaesthesia
- Section 2 Physiology
- 1 Cellular physiology
- 2 Body fluids
- 3 Haematology and immunology
- 4 Muscle physiology
- 5 Cardiac physiology
- 6 Physiology of the circulation
- 7 Renal physiology
- 8 Respiratory physiology
- 9 Physiology of the nervous system
- 10 Physiology of pain
- 11 Gastrointestinal physiology
- 12 Metabolism and temperature regulation
- 13 Endocrinology
- 14 Physiology of pregnancy
- 15 Fetal and newborn physiology
- Section 3 Pharmacology
- Section 4 Physics, clinical measurement and statistics
- Appendix: Primary FRCA syllabus
- Index
- References
Summary
Endocrine physiology is the study of hormones, the glands that produce them, and the effects that hormones have on their target organs. Endocrine function is necessary to maintain homeostasis, and is associated with the unconscious and subconscious functions of the body. It is closely linked with areas in the brain and nervous system that control homeostasis, especially the hypothalamus.
The main effects of hormones on the body are control of metabolism, nutrition and growth, sexual and reproductive development, and blood pressure and temperature control.
Traditionally, the gland releases the hormone into the bloodstream, the hormone travels over time to the target organ, and an effect is produced – a relatively slow process. It is now recognised that the physiology is much more complex. Hormones may be produced that act on neighbouring cells (e.g. histamine and prostaglandins), or they may even act on the secreting cell itself. These effects are much more rapid.
Classification of hormones
The more common hormones are listed in Figure EN1.
Polypeptides
Examples – vasopressin, oxytocin, prolactin, insulin, glucagon. These are usually produced as a prohormone which undergoes conversion to its active form. These hormones are stored in granules and secreted by exocytosis and thence into the bloodstream.
Glycoproteins
Examples – TSH, FSH, LH. These are polypeptide hormones linked to carbohydrate residues.
Steroids
Examples – corticosteroids, aldosterone, sex hormones. Steroids are synthesised in the cell mitochondria, from cholesterol.
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- Fundamentals of Anaesthesia , pp. 466 - 483Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2009