The thyroid gland
Chapter 9 The thyroid gland Introduction The thyroid gland secretes three hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), both of which are iodinated derivatives of tyrosine (Fig. 9.1), and calcitonin, a…
The adrenal glands
Chapter 8 The adrenal glands Introduction The adrenal glands have two functionally distinct parts: the cortex and the medulla. The adrenal cortex is essential to life; it produces three classes…
The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland
Chapter 7 The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland Introduction The pituitary gland consists of two parts, the anterior pituitary, or adenohypophysis, and the posterior pituitary, or neurohypophysis. Although closely related…
Clinical chemistry at the extremes of age
Chapter 21 Clinical chemistry at the extremes of age Old age The investigation and management of illness in the elderly poses a number of special problems, for both the physician…
Therapeutic drug monitoring and chemical aspects of toxicology
Chapter 19 Therapeutic drug monitoring and chemical aspects of toxicology Introduction Clinical chemistry laboratories are called upon to measure drugs in body fluids for three main purposes: • to provide…
Inherited metabolic diseases
Chapter 16 Inherited metabolic diseases Introduction Many inherited diseases are known to be due to the genetically determined absence or modification of specific proteins. For example, in sickle cell anaemia,…
The gonads
Chapter 10 The gonads Introduction Androgens and testicular function The testes are responsible for the synthesis of the male sex hormones (androgens) and the production of spermatozoa. The most important…
Clinical nutrition
Chapter 20 Clinical nutrition Introduction An adequate intake of nutrients is essential for normal growth and development and for the maintenance of health. These nutrients include proteins, to supply amino…
The gastrointestinal tract
Chapter 6 The gastrointestinal tract Introduction The digestion and absorption of food is a complex process, which depends on the integrated activity of the organs of the alimentary tract. Food…
Metabolic aspects of malignant disease
Chapter 18 Metabolic aspects of malignant disease Introduction The clinical signs and symptoms in patients suffering from cancer are often directly related to the physical presence of the tumour. For…
