Endocrinology

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Endocrine System
3. Disorders of Water Balance
4. Growth Disorders
5. Gonad Disorders
6. Adrenal Gland Disorders
7. Pancreas Disorders
8. Thyroid disorders
9. Parathyroid Disorders
10. Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN)

Introduction

Katrina Parker, MD

Presented in this chapter are basic concepts of pediatric endocrinology essential for providers in a general pediatric practice.

Endocrinology is the study of the disorders of the endocrine glands and its hormones.

The endocrine system consists of several glands that secrete hormones directly into the body. These glands include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, and gonads - each responsible for the secretion of various hormones. These hormones interact with each other to maintain balance in the body.

This endocrine chapter will focus on the hormones and the abnormalities that occur as the result of either hypersecretion or hyposecretion of these hormones.