Main description:

Integrative & Comparative Endocrinology takes a holistic approach to endocrinology, introducing students to the diverse facets of this interdisciplinary science ranging from the medical to comparative domains, while also exploring evolutionary, environmental, and conservation specializations within the field. The textbook is founded on the principle that students interested in the health sciences will benefit from understanding how proficiency in endocrine function among a diversity of organisms contributes to advances in modern medicine. Likewise, students intrigued by comparative physiology will benefit from the wealth of knowledge derived from medical/clinical endocrinology, the historical bedrock of the field. This textbook represents the modern field of endocrinology in its totality by addressing topics and recent advances not currently discussed in other introductory endocrinology textbooks.

Key Features

Introduces the broad and interdisciplinary scope of endocrinology

Provides clear chapter objectives, key concepts and summaries/synthesis for each chapter

Includes a chapter devoted to endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Describes the role played by the endocrine system on important health challenges such as obesity and diabetes.

Integrates evolutionary and comparative approaches to hormones and health

Contents:

Chapter 1: The Scope and Growth of Endocrinology. Chapter 2: Fundamental Features of Endocrine Signaling. Chapter 3: Evolution of Endocrine Signaling. Chapter 4: Hormone Classes & Biosynthesis. Chapter 5: Receptors. Chapter 6: Receptor Binding Kinetics. Chapter 7: Neurosecretion and Hypothalamic Control of the Pituitary. Chapter 8: The Pituitary Gland and its Hormones. Chapter 9: Central Control of Biological Rhythms. Chapter 10: Thyroid Hormones: Development & Growth. Chapter 11: Insect Molting and Metamorphosis. Chapter 12: Calcium/Phosphate Homeostasis, Skeletal Remodeling, and Growth. Chapter 13: The Multifaceted Adrenal Gland. Chapter 14: Adrenal Hormones and the Stress Response. Chapter 15: Blood Pressure and Osmoregulation. Chapter 16: Digestion. Chapter 17: Appetite. Chapter 18: Energy Homeostasis. Chapter 19: Metabolic Dysregulation and Disruption. Chapter 20: Sexual Determination and Differentiation. Chapter 21: Male Reproductive System. Chapter 22: Female Reproductive System. Chapter 23: The Timing of Puberty and Seasonal Reproduction. Chapter 24: Pregnancy, Birth, and Lactation. Chapter 25: EDCs: Assessing the Risk. Appendices.