Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology

Sports Physiology

There are few stresses to which the body is exposed that approach the extreme stresses of heavy exercise. In fact, if some of the extremes of exercise were continued for even moderately prolonged periods, they might be lethal. Therefore, sports…

Fetal and Neonatal Physiology

A complete discussion of fetal development, physiology of the child immediately after birth, and growth and development through the early years of life lies within the province of formal courses in obstetrics and pediatrics. However, many physiological principles are peculiar…

Pregnancy and Lactation

In Chapter 81, Chapter 82 , the sexual functions of the male and female are described to the point of fertilization of the ovum. If the ovum becomes fertilized, a new sequence of events called gestation or pregnancy takes place,…

Female Physiology Before Pregnancy and Female Hormones

Female reproductive functions can be divided into two major phases: (1) preparation of the female body for conception and pregnancy and (2) the period of pregnancy itself. This chapter is concerned with preparation of the female body for pregnancy, and…

Insulin, Glucagon, and Diabetes Mellitus

The pancreas, in addition to its digestive functions, secretes two major hormones, insulin and glucagon , that are crucial for normal regulation of glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. Although the pancreas secretes other hormones, such as amylin, somatostatin, and pancreatic…

Adrenocortical Hormones

The two adrenal glands, each of which weighs about 4 grams, lie at the superior poles of the two kidneys. As shown in Figure 78-1 , each gland is composed of two major parts, the adrenal medulla and the adrenal…

Thyroid Metabolic Hormones

The thyroid gland, located immediately below the larynx on each side of and anterior to the trachea, is one of the largest of the endocrine glands, normally weighing 15 to 20 grams in adults. The thyroid secretes two major metabolic…