393CHAPTER9
Endocrine and
Nervous Systems
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Describe the type of medical treatment endocrinologists and neurologists provide.
- Identify the structures of the endocrine and nervous systems by labeling them on the anatomical
illustrations. - Describe the primary functions of the endocrine and nervous systems.
- Describe diseases, conditions, and procedures related to the endocrine and nervous systems.
- Apply your word-building skills by constructing medical terms related to the endocrine and
nervous systems. - Describe common abbreviations and symbols related to the endocrine and nervous systems.
- Recognize, define, pronounce, and spell terms correctly.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of this chapter by successfully completing the frames, reviews,
and medical report evaluations.
MEDICAL SPECIALTIES
Endocrinology
Endocrinologyis the medical specialty concerned with diagnosis and treatment of endocrine gland disorders.
Endocrinologistsevaluate the body’s overall metabolic function and diagnose and treat hormone imbalances due to
underproduction or overproduction of hormones. Endocrinologists treat such disorders as diabetes, osteoporosis, and
other disorders of the endocrine glands. When surgery is required, the endocrinologist works closely with the surgeon
to provide the most beneficial patient care. Endocrinologists also play important roles related to their field of expertise
in university academic research and in the pharmaceutical industry.
Neurology
Neurology is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system,
which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Neurologistsuse specialized examination procedures
and employ diagnostic tests, medical and surgical procedures, and drugs to treat nervous system diseases. The branch
of surgery involving the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, is called neurosurgery.The physician
who specializes in neurosurgery is a neurosurgeon.