Streckfus publishes textbook on exocrinology

Professor Charles F. Streckfus, DDS, MA, of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry has published Exocrinology: A Textbook and Atlas of Exocrine Cells, Glands and Organs.

Published by Springer, the textbook became available as an eBook on March 29. Readers who prefer a printed edition of the book also have the option to order it from SpringerLink.

Streckfus, who drafted the textbook as its sole author over a two-year span, believed there was a need for a comprehensive overview on exocrinology.

“I wrote the book to provide students and faculty a centralized, free source of information regarding exocrinology,” said Streckfus. “There are numerous books on endocrinology, which academicians and students use daily; however, this isn’t the case for the science of exocrinology. As a consequence of the book, exocrine function can be recognized as an important portion of an individual’s overall health.”

As noted in the preface, the textbook utilizes a systems approach to exocrinology. The introduction provides basic information concerning the difference between the endocrine and exocrine glands. It relates the variability of exocrine glands according to shape, method of secretion, and their secretory products.

The content begins with the exocrine glands of the integument (outside covering) and then continues internally to the respiratory system, oral cavity and digestive tract, sensory organs, and urinary and reproductive systems. The textbook also covers exocrine system of varying complexity ranging from exocrine cells (Goblet cells) to glands (Lacrimal glands) to exocrine organs (exocrine pancreas).

The textbook requires a background in histology. However, Streckfus has written the sections in a way that’s easy to comprehend. He provides the reader with numerous illustrations, some Streckfus hand illustrated himself, to accompany the subject matter. Altogether, he hopes to educate the reader with material while making the process a pleasurable learning experience.

Streckfus thanks UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry and the Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences for their support. He also thanks David King, PhD; of Southern Illinois University; Richard Bowen, DVM, PhD, of Colorado State University; James Edgar, PhD, of Cambridge University; Peter Takizawa, PhD, of Yale University; Stephen Gallik, PhD, of University of Mary Washington; Barry Rittman, PhD, of UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry; Todd Clark Brelje, PhD, of University of Minnesota; Theresa Kristopaitis, MD, and Kelli A. Hutchens, MD, of Loyola Stritch School of Medicine; and Lutz Slomianka, PhD, of The University of Western Australia for allowing use of medical images and historical slides in the textbook.

Streckfus joined the School of Dentistry as a professor in 2005. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and has many published abstracts and presentations to his credit.

He earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from Johns Hopkins University in 1969 and a master of arts degree in psychology from Towson State University in 1973. In 1978, Streckfus received his dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Oral Medicine and of the American Academy of Dentistry.