Biological basis of child health 12: the endocrine system and common childhood endocrinopathies
Intended for healthcare professionals
CPD    

Biological basis of child health 12: the endocrine system and common childhood endocrinopathies

Kate Davies Associate professor of paediatric prescribing and endocrinology, London South Bank University and honorary research fellow in paediatric endocrinology, Queen Mary University of London, London, England
Sinead Bryan Independent endocrine nurse and quality assurance manager, Enviva Complex Care Limited, London, England

Why you should read this article:
  • To refresh your knowledge of the various hormones secreted by the endocrine system and their functions

  • To enhance your understanding of the presentation and management of common endocrinopathies seen in children

  • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)

  • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

This article, the 12th in a series on the biological basis of child health, focuses on the endocrine system. This system works alongside the nervous system to regulate the functioning of the human body using chemical mediators called hormones. It is composed of several glands secreting a wide range of hormones that act on target cells in organs and tissues. Various functions of the human body are controlled by the endocrine system, including growth, puberty, metabolism and bone health. This article explores the anatomy and pathophysiology of the endocrine system, the effects of hormonal excesses or deficiencies on the body, and the presentation and management of endocrinopathies commonly seen in children.

Nursing Children and Young People. doi: 10.7748/ncyp.2021.e1342

Peer review

This article has been subject to open peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software

@sausmash

Correspondence

kate.davies@lsbu.ac.uk

Conflict of interest

None declared

Davies K, Bryan S (2021) Biological basis of child health 12: the endocrine system and common childhood endocrinopathies. Nursing Children and Young People. doi: 10.7748/ncyp.2021.e1342

Published online: 05 July 2021

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