Book excerpt: This book is intended to give readers a “quick look” at metabolic and endocrine physiology. Emphasis is placed on instructional figures, flow diagrams and tables, while text material has been held to a minimum. In general, the endocrine system is first defined and described, and then each endocrine gland is discussed separately. Where appropriate, common endocrine disorders have also been included. This text concisely elucidates the endocrine mechanisms responsible for maintaining homeostatic control of important physiologic variables, and to assist the reader in understanding common pathophysiologic deviations from normal. Over 360 multiple-choice questions gauge the reader’s capacity to effectively understand the subject material. This new edition contains six new chapters covering: hormone disposition, measurement and secretion; bovine, equine and rodent estrus cycles; primate menstrual cycle; male reproductive system; testosterone, estrogen and progesterone; comparative aspects of endocrinology. Learning objectives have been added at the beginning of each chapter and all of the questions are new.