Hormones
After completing this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
1. Define terms and abbreviations related to hormones and the endocrine system.
2. Discuss the endocrine system and the four main groups of hormonal action effects on the body.
3. Discuss the structure, function, and importance of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, and adrenal glands.
4. Explain why epinephrine is of particular interest to the surgical technologist, and identify safety practices regarding the use of epinephrine from the sterile field.
5. Identify the two major groups of adrenal cortex hormones and the purposes of each.
6. Discuss the structure, function, and importance of the pancreas.
7. State medical and surgical uses for various hormones in relation to the ovaries.
8. State medical and surgical uses for various hormones in relation to the testes.
Hormones are chemicals released by endocrine glands into the bloodstream (Fig. 8-1). These diverse substances maintain homeostasis (relatively constant conditions in the body) by altering the activities of specific target cells. Functions regulated by hormones include reproduction, growth and development, and metabolism. Hormones have a wide range of actions and effects, and each hormone has a specific function at a specific location in the body. In addition to naturally occurring hormones, several synthetic hormones have been developed. Most hormones are administered as replacement therapy in the medical rather than in the surgical setting, but some hormones are used in surgery and may be administered from the sterile back table during the course of a procedure.
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