Comparative Vertebrate Endocrinology

This book discusses the intimate physiology of the endocrine system and the pivotal role of hormones in coordinating basic body processes

Peter J. Bentley (Author)

9780521629980, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 11 June 1998

548 pages
24.6 x 19 x 2.7 cm, 1.18 kg

"More than 20 years after the first edition, this book retains the flavor of the original: didactic and informative...This exciting book illustrates why unusual mammals and nonmammalian species should be investigated: they provide avenues whereby fundamental processes are understood and often more clearly exemplified...The volume, laudabley, retains the original format...Throughout, the text is aptly referenced...This book is an excellent account of the endocrine system of vertebrates. Although accessible to undergraduate and postgraduate audiences, it gives the academic a most valuable source of information for teaching and a platform from which to launch stimulating research and teaching programs. The book is well produced, indexed, and illustrated, and is not excessively expensive by present standards."-Ian W. Henderson, The Quarterly Review of Biology

The third edition of this popular textbook retains the successful format of previous editions, dealing with the nature, actions and roles of hormones among vertebrate animals. Special emphasis is placed on the evolution and origins of hormones and their receptors, on the role of hormones in the physiological coordination of vertebrates, and on dealing with each endocrine process in the context of the organism's physiology, ecology and evolution. Comparative Vertebrate Endocrinology discusses the intimate physiology of the endocrine system and the pivotal role of hormones in coordinating basic body processes such as nutrition, reproduction, calcium metabolism and osmoregulation, as well as their contributions to animal coloration, molting and development. The species included range from lower chordates through to mammals, including marsupials.

Preface to the third edition
Preface to the second edition
Preface to the first edition
List of abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. Comparative morphology of the endocrine tissues
3. The chemical structure, polymorphism, and evolution of hormones
4. The life history of hormones
5. Hormones and nutrition
6. Hormones and calcium metabolism
7. Hormones and the integument
8. Hormones and osmoregulation
9. Hormones and reproduction
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Animal physiology [PSVD]