21.0: Introduction

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Photo of healthcare worker doing an ultrasound on an individual’s throat.

Figure 21.1 The endocrine system, which includes the pituitary gland, ovaries, testes, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenals, and their hormones coordinate and control growth, metabolism, temperature regulation, the stress response, reproduction, and many other functions. (credit: Airman 1st Class Rhett Isbell/Little Rock Air Force Base, Public Domain)

The endocrine system is a complex network of cells, tissues, glands, and organs that can be intimidating to understand. While the organs of the endocrine system may be small (pituitary gland, ovaries, testes, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenals), their contribution to homeostasis is huge. The endocrine system works behind the scenes to help regulate common body functions, and without a healthy endocrine system, problems that affect metabolism, puberty, energy, weight, stress, bone strength, and fertility can occur. This chapter provides an overview of the endocrine system and common endocrine disorders encountered in clinical care settings, and applies nursing concepts to plan nursing care for patients with endocrine disorders.

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