This article, the last in the life sciences series, is the second of two articles on the endocrine system. It discusses human growth hormone, the pancreas and adrenal glands. The relationships between hormones and their unique functions are also explored. It is important that nurses understand how the endocrine system works and its role in maintaining health to provide effective care to patients. Several disorders caused by human growth hormone or that affect the pancreas and adrenal glands are examined.

This article, which forms part of the life sciences series and is the first of two articles on the endocrine system, examines the structure and function of the organs of the endocrine system. It is important that nurses understand how the endocrine system works and its role in maintaining health. The role of the endocrine system and the types, actions and control of hormones are explored. The gross structure of the pituitary and thyroid glands are described along with relevant physiology. Several disorders of the thyroid gland are outlined. The second article examines growth hormone, the pancreas and adrenal glands.

Sexual reproduction is the process in which a male sperm unites with a female ovum to permit fertilisation. Each fertilised cell contains a set of chromosomes from each parent, therefore both the male and female gametes contribute equally to the process of reproduction. This article provides an overview of the normal anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems. Common disorders of these systems are also discussed.

This article, which forms part of the life sciences series and is the last of three articles on the nervous system, explores the major divisions of the peripheral nervous system. Motor and sensory nerves will be described before a more detailed examination of the cranial and spinal nerves is provided. The autonomic nervous system will be explored, including the diverse roles of the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions. The role of spinal reflexes in maintaining homeostasis is identified. Motor neurone disease will be discussed briefly as an example of a disorder of the peripheral nervous system.

This article, which forms part of the life sciences series and is the second of three articles on the nervous system, explores the major divisions of the brain and their functions. The various ways in which the delicate structures of the brain and spinal cord are protected and supported by the cranial and vertebral bones, the meninges and the cerebrospinal fluid are examined. Neuroglia (glial cells), which form a major component of the total volume of brain tissue, are described. Dementia is discussed briefly to illustrate the effects of a common central nervous system disorder.

This article, which forms part of the life sciences series and is the first of three articles on the nervous system, explores the major divisions of the nervous system and their functions. The basic structure of a nerve cell is described, and generation and conduction of nerve impulses is discussed. Blood supply to the brain is also covered. The second article will examine the central nervous system (CNS) in greater detail, including protection of the CNS, and the structure and function of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. The third article will examine the peripheral nervous system and the autonomic nervous system, and provides an overview of some of the disorders of the nervous system.

Assessment and careful maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance in patients is an essential part of the nurse’s role. This article explores fluid and electrolyte balance with reference to the normal physiology of body fluids and regulation of fluids and electrolytes. It also considers some common conditions associated with fluid imbalance.

The urinary system plays an important role in regulating fluid and electrolyte balance and maintaining homeostatic balance within the body. Assessment and management of fluid and electrolyte balance is a vital part of the nurses’ role, therefore it is important that nurses understand the functions of the urinary system. This article explores the anatomy and physiology of the urinary system, with reference to the production and excretion of urine. It also provides an overview of urinary tract infection.

This article, which forms part of the life sciences series and is the second of two articles on the digestive system, explores the structure and function of the liver, gall bladder and pancreas. It is important that nurses understand how the digestive system works and identify its role in maintaining health. The gross structures of the liver, gall bladder and pancreas associated with the gastrointestinal tract are described, along with relevant physiology and pathologies.

This article, which forms part of the life sciences series and is the first of two articles on the digestive system, explores the structure and function of the digestive system. It is important that nurses understand how the digestive system works and its role in maintaining health. The article describes the gross structure of the gastrointestinal tract along with relevant physiology. It also outlines several disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and their treatment and nursing management. The second article will explain the liver, pancreas and gall bladder and their digestive functions, and provides a brief overview of the disorders of chronic liver disease, pancreatitis and gallstones.

This article, which is the last in the life sciences series and the second of two articles on the respiratory system, describes gaseous exchange in the lungs, transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and internal and external respiration. The article concludes with a brief consideration of two conditions that affect gas exchange and transport: carbon monoxide poisoning and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This article, which forms part of the life sciences series and is the first of two articles on the respiratory system, describes the anatomy of the respiratory system and explains the mechanics of respiration. It provides a brief overview of three common respiratory disorders: pneumonia, pulmonary embolism and pulmonary tuberculosis. The second article discusses gaseous exchange and the control of ventilation in more detail.