Operational Medicine Medical Education and Training

The Endocrine System

CORRESPONDENCE COURSE

U.S. ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT CENTER AND SCHOOL

SUBCOURSE MD0583 EDITION 100

THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Two systems, the nervous system and the endocrine system, work together to regulate and integrate the processes of the body. The activities of these systems operate like an interlocking supersystem. Some parts of the nervous system stimulate the release of hormones while some parts of the endocrine system stimulate nerve impulses.

In this subcourse, you will study the endocrine system, its anatomy, physiology, diseases, and disorders. A particular disease, diabetes mellitus, will also be studied. Do your best to achieve the objective of this subcourse. As a result, you will be better able to perform functions of your medical MOS.

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Length: 50 Pages

Estimated Hours to Complete: 8

Format: PDF file

Size: 0.4 MB

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Anyone may take this course. However, to receive credit hours, you must be officially enrolled and complete an examination furnished by the Nonresident Instruction Branch at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Enrollment is normally limited to Department of Defense personnel. Others may apply for enrollment, but acceptance is not guaranteed

The Endocrine System

Distance Learning Course
50 Pages
Est. 8 Hours
0.4 MB pdf file

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Exercises

2 DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Exercises

3 DIABETES MELLITUS

Exercises

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1-1. GENERAL

The endocrine system is one of two major systems which control the body's activities. The endocrine system is composed of glands which secrete substances called hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones act as chemical messengers and float in the bloodstream to the body's organs, the target of the particular hormone.

At the target, the hormone causes some action. The hormone either turns on a biochemical reaction or turns off a biochemical reaction.

a. The Endocrine System and the Nervous System. The endocrine system works with the nervous system to regulate and integrate the processes of the body such as growth, development, reproduction, response to stress, and change of food into energy and body tissue. The two systems work together like a giant super system.

Some parts of the nervous system stimulate or prevent the release of hormones. Some  hormones can stimulate or prevent the flow of nerve impulses.

b. Composition and Activities of Hormones. Hormones are composed of proteins, amino acids, or steroids. Although hormones affect many of the body's activities, hormone actions can be categorized into four broad areas:

(1) Internal environment control. Hormones help control the body's internal environment by regulating the chemical composition and volume of the body's fluids and tissues.

(2) Environmental condition adjustments. Hormones help the body adjust to changes in the environment. Thanks to various hormones, the body can cope with emergency demands such as infection, trauma, emotional stress, dehydration, starvation, hemorrhage, and temperature extremes.

(3) Growth and development. Hormones are instrumental in regulating the growth and development of the body.

(4) Reproduction. Hormones are very important in the basic process of reproduction. Various hormones play a significant part in fertilization, nourishment of the embryo and fetus, delivery, and nourishment of the newborn.

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