This comprehensive volume collects contributions from nearly one hundred experts in the fields of endocrinology and metabolism. The text covers a range of topics, from basic physiology to the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders. Its breadth and depth make it an ideal reference for professionals in the field, as well as a useful introductory text for students. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.