9. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM Flashcards
The structure and function of the endocrine system. The clinical presentations, investigation procedures and some orthodox treatments of endocrine pathologies.
What stimulates the production of thyroid hormones?
TSH, exercise, stress, malnutrition, insulin & growth hormone
Define ‘metabolic rate’
The sum of all chemical processes in our cells.
What reduces thyroid hormones in the body?
Low TSH, high T3
Which gland in the body produces melatonin?
Pineal gland
Describe the main function of the endocrine system
The endocrine system coordinates the activity of organs through hormones (chemical messengers released into the blood by glands that produce them).
Name four endocrine tissues
Adipose tissue
Heart
Name two ways in which hormone secretion is regulated
- Nervous system signals
- Chemical changes in the blood
- Other hormones
Explain how the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are connected
The anterior lobe of the pituitary is connected to the hypothalamus through a network of blood capillaries while the posterior lobe is connected through a stalk of nerve fibres.
What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
An autoimmune condition of thyroid hormone deficiency caused by the body’s immune system attacking the thyroid
List four key symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Tiredness, Weight gain, Constipation, Depression, Cold intolerance
What would you expect blood tests to reveal in Hashimoto’s?
High TSH
Low thyroid hormones (T4 and T3)
Name four nutrients that are essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones
Iodine
Selenium
Tyrosine
Zinc
What are two signs of hypothyroidism?
Goitre Myxoedema Loss of eyebrows Thin hair Dry, brittle skin
Name two endocrine glands
Pituatary
Thyroid
Adrenals
Describe ‘down regulation’ and name one example
Down regulation occurs if a hormone is present in excess. This means that the number of target cell receptors for that hormone may decrease. An example of this is the hormones that increase during puberty.
Describe ‘up regulation’ and name one example
A deficiency in a certain hormone causes an increase in the number of receptors on target cells. This occurs when there is an increased number of oxytocin receptors in third trimester of pregnancy.
Explain the difference between receptors for protein-based hormones and lipid hormones.
The receptors for protein-based hormones are part of the cell membrane, whilst lipid hormone receptors are within the cell.
With regards to hormones released from the hypothalamus, name:
a. Three releasing hormones
b. Two inhibiting hormones
a. GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) TRH (Thyroid Releasing Hormone) PRH (Prolactin Releasing Hormone) GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) CRH (Corticotropin Releasing Hormone)
b. GHIH (Growth Hormone Inhibiting Hormone)
PIH (Prolactin Inhibiting Hormone)
Name two hormones that are released by the posterior pituitary gland
Oxytocin Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Name one hypothalamic hormone that stimulates the release of both ACTH and MSH.
CRH (Corticotropin Releasing Hormone)
Name two functions for each of the following anterior pituitary hormones:
a. Growth Hormone
b. ACTH
c. Prolactin
a. Growth Hormone: Growth and repair; Metabolism
b. ACTH: Circadian Rhythm; Steroid hormone output
c. Prolactin: Milk production (with oxytocin); prevents pregnancy; breast maturation
Name two factors that stimulate production of the following hormones:
a. Growth Hormone
b. ACTH
c. Prolactin (not birth)
a. Growth Hormone: Night time, hypoglycaemia, exercise, childhood/adolescence
b. ACTH: hypoglycaemia, exercise, stressors (eg. emotions, fever), interleukin-1 (inflammatory cytokine)
c. Prolactin: suckling of infant, sleep
When are TSH levels at their
(a) Lowest
(b) Highest
(a) During early evening
(b) During the night
Name one function of melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH)
It plays a role in skin, hair and eye pigmentation
Name TWO functions of oxytocin
- It contracts the uterus in childbirth
- It contracts the lactating breast
- It is a bonding hormone (mother with baby, social bonding, trust, skin contact, ‘cuddle hormone’).
List TWO factors (not suckling) that stimulate oxytocin production
- Childbirth
- Skin to skin contact / cuddles
What is colostrum?
The first breast-fluid produced after parturition, which contains water, lacto-sugar and antibodies
Describe the main function of colostrum
Coslostrum acts as a laxative to encourage bowel movement, particularly bilirubin and wastes that have accumulated in the foetal intestines.
Describe how ADH prevents loss of fluid from the body
ADH reduces urine output by stimulating reabsorption of water from the kidneys and vasoconstriction in skin lowers loss of water through sweating.
Name ONE factor that:
a. Stimulates production of ADH
b. Inhibits production of ADH
a. Increased osmotic pressure, hypovolaemia
b. Reduced osmotic pressure, alcohol, increased fluid intake
Using definitions, explain the difference between acromegaly and gigantism
Acromegaly is the result of excess growth hormone post puberty while Gigantism is an excess of growth hormone while the bones are still developing (pre-puberty onwards)
List TWO signs / symptoms of acromegaly
- Large, prominent facial features, large hands and feet
- Tiredness
- Deep voice
- Impotence
- Joint pain
- Bone deformities
- Soft-tissue swellings
Explain why Type 2 diabetes is a potential complication of acromegaly and gigantism
Excess growth hormone leads to increased blood glucose levels which can lead to insulin resistance
Name the following pathology and list ONE cause:
“Galactorrhoea, amenorrhoea, decreased libido / sexual dysfunction and sub-fertility”
Hyperprolactinaemia.
Pituitary tumour, acromegaly, pharmacologic (antipsychotics)
What is meant by galactorrhoea?
The flow of milk from the breast not associated with childbirth.
Using definitions describe the difference between diabetes insipidus and Type 2 diabetes
Diabetes insipidus is the deficiency of ADH production or recognition, causing the kidneys to over-excrete water.
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder associated with hyperglycaemia, characterised by a deficiency of insulin due to insulin resistance.
List TWO causes of diabetes insipidus
- Cranial: brain trauma, tumour, encephalitis
- Renal: Chronic kidney disease, hypercalcaemia, hypokalaemia
Name TWO signs / symptoms of diabetes insipidus
- Polydipsia (extreme thirst), high water consumption
- Polyuria (excessive urine output)
- Weight loss
- Low blood pressure, syncope