G, University of Bristol

This book uses a modern integrated approach and provides a good introduction to the endocrine system. Information is presented in a simple yet effective format; and is written in a clear and easy to understand style. The first two chapters provide details on the basic concepts of endocrinology. The remaining chapters are organised around clinical cases. This new edition has been expanded to include detail relating to physiological and biochemical mechanisms; thereby making it an ideal study companion for biomedical science students as well as medical students. The content ensures that you are able to understand the basic scientific principles together with the clinical relevance.

Posted 1st Jun 2010

Dominic Haigh, University of Birmingham

Knowledge of the role of hormones in human physiology, their metabolism, action and regulation, is crucial to any understanding of human physiology, so The Endocrine System sensibly begins there. Once the introduction to endocrinological concepts is completed, cases begin to appear interspersed with the text. Unusually for a textbook of this type, these cases are broken down into chunks and spread out over several pages so that information on one part of the case is disseminated one piece at a time. For example, text on the anterior pituitary is translated into a clinical scenario of a man with acromegaly. Boxes over different pages chronicle the patient’s progress from initial presentation to clinical tests to diagnosis. The huge scope of endocrinology allows the text to tie in with clinical topics as diverse as anabolic abuse and the menstrual cycle. The most in-depth of clinical conditions covered is diabetes mellitus, reflecting its position as an increasingly significant public health problem. One of the strengths of the book is the clear explanation of the different types. Following a discussion of miscellaneous hormones, the book is ended with a brief discussion of possible future directions for endocrinology. While the preface acknowledges that this second edition contains more content in order to be relevant to biomedical science students, this book remains an informative and broad general introduction to endocrinology for medical students.

Posted 25th May 2010