Ch.13 Endocrine System Flashcards
adren/o
Adrenal Glands
gonad/o
gonads
testic/o
Testicles
pancreat/o
Pancreatic Islets
Parathyroid Glands
parathyroid/o
Pineal Gland
pineal/o
Pituitary Gland
pituit/o, pituitar/o
Thymus
thym/o
Thyroid Gland
thyr/o, thyroid/o
acr/o
Extremities (hands and feet), top, extreme point
adren/o
Adrenal glands
crin/o
Secrete
-dipsia
Thirst
glyc/o
Glucose, sugar
gonad/o
Gonad, sex glands
-ism
Condition, state of
pancreat/o
Pancreas
parathyroid/o
Parathyroid glands
pineal/o
Pineal gland
pituitar/o
Pituitary gland
poly-
Many
somat/o
Body
thym/o
Thymus gland
thyr/o
Thyroid gland
acromegaly
rare chronic disease characterized by abnormal enlargement of the extremities (hands and feet) caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone after puberty
Addison’s disease
condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol or aldosterone
adrenalitis
Inflammation of the adrenal glands
aldosteronism
abnormality of electrolyte balance caused by excessive secretion of aldosterone
antidiuretic hormone
hormone that helps control blood pressure by reducing the amount of water that is excreted through the kidneys
calcitonin
hormone that works with the parathyroid hormone to decrease calcium levels in the blood and tissues
Conn’s syndrome
disorder of the adrenal glands due to excessive production of aldosterone
cortisol
hormone that has an anti-inflammatory action; it also regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body
cretinism
congenital form of hypothyroidism that, if not treated soon after birth, causes arrested physical and mental development
Cushing’s syndrome
condition caused by the overproduction of cortisol by the body or by taking corticosteroids to treat inflammatory diseases such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis; also known as hypercortisolism
diabetes insipidus
condition caused by insufficient production of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or by the inability of the kidneys to respond to ADH
diabetes mellitus
group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both
diabetic retinopathy
Injury to the eye that occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina of the eye
electrolytes
Mineral substances, such as sodium and potassium, normally found in the blood
epinephrine
hormone that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system in response to physical injury or to mental stress such as fear; also known as adrenaline
estrogen
hormone with an important role in the development and maintenance of the female secondary sex characteristics and the regulation of the menstrual cycle
exophthalmos
abnormal protrusion of the eyeball out of the orbit
follicle-stimulating hormone
hormone that stimulates the secretion of estrogen and the growth of ova (eggs) in the ovaries of the female. In the male, it stimulates the production of sperm in the testicles
fructosamine test
blood test that measures average glucose levels over the past 3 weeks
gestational diabetes mellitus
form of diabetes that occurs during some pregnancies
gigantism
Abnormal growth of the entire body that is caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone before puberty
glucagon
hormone that increases the amount of glucose in the bloodstream by stimulating the liver to convert glycogen into glucose
glucose
basic form of energy used by the body; also known as blood sugar
Graves’ disease
disorder of unknown cause in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and stimulates it to make excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, resulting in hyperthyroidism
growth hormone
hormone that regulates the growth of bone, muscle, and other body tissues
gynecomastia
condition of excessive mammary development in the male
Hashimoto’s disease
autoimmune disease in which the body’s own antibodies attack and destroy the cells of the thyroid gland
hypercalcemia
Abnormally high concentrations of calcium circulating in the blood instead of being stored in the bones and teeth
hyperinsulinism
condition marked by excessive secretion of insulin in the bloodstream
hyperpituitarism
excessive secretion of growth hormone that causes acromegaly and gigantism
hyperthyroidism
overproduction of thyroid hormones, which causes an imbalance of metabolism
hypoglycemia
abnormally low concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood
hypothyroidism
deficiency of thyroid secretion; also known as underactive thyroid
insulin
hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets in response to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Its function is to allow glucose to enter cells for energy or to stimulate the liver to convert glucose to glycogen for storage
insulinoma
benign tumor of the pancreas that causes hypoglycemia
ketosis
normal metabolic process that helps the body utilize stored fat when other sources of energy are lacking
laparoscopic adrenalectomy
minimally invasive procedure to surgically remove one or both adrenal glands
leptin
protein hormone secreted by fat cells that is involved in the regulation of appetite
luteinizing hormone
hormone that stimulates ovulation in the female and production of the female sex hormone progesterone. In the male, it stimulates the secretion of testosterone
myxedema
severe form of adult hypothyroidism
norepinephrine
combination of a hormone and a neurohormone that plays an important role in the “fight-or-flight response
oxytocin
Hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth
pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas
parathyroidectomy
surgical removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands
pituitary adenoma
One of two types of slow-growing, benign tumors of the pituitary gland that may or may not cause excess hormone secretion
polydipsia
Excessive thirst.
polyphagia
Excessive hunger
polyuria
Excessive urination
prediabetes
condition in which the blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes
progesterone
hormone, whose function is to complete the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy, is released during the second half of the menstrual cycle by the corpus luteum in the ovary
prolactinoma
benign tumor of the pituitary gland that causes the gland to produce too much prolactin
puberty
process of physical changes by which a child’s body becomes an adult body that is capable of reproducing
radioactive iodine treatment
oral administration of radioactive iodine to destroy thyroid cells
steroids
large family of hormonelike substances that share the same fat-soluble chemical structure
testosterone
steroid hormone secreted by the testes and the adrenal cortex that stimulates the development of male secondary sex characteristics
thymectomy
surgical removal of the thymus gland
thymitis
Inflammation of the thymus gland
thymosin
Hormone secreted by the thymus gland that stimulates the maturation of lymphocytes into T cells of the immune system
thyroxine
One of the primary hormones secreted by the thyroid gland that regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the growth and rate of function of other body systems
aldosterone
ALD
antidiuretic hormone
ADH
diabetes insipidus
Dl
diabetes mellitus
DM
epinephrine
EPI, Epi
fasting blood sugar
FBS
fructosamine test
FA
Graves’ disease
GD
hypoglycemia
HG
latent autoimmune diabetes
LADA
leptin
LEP, LPT
thyroid stimulating hormone
TSH
Hyperpituitarism
the excess secretion of growth hormone that causes acromegaly and gigantism
Short stature
formerly known as dwarfism, is sometimes caused by deficient secretion of growth hormone
pituitary adenoma
is also known as a pituitary tumor. There are two types of these slow-growing benign tumors of the pituitary gland
Galactorrhea
condition in which an excess of prolactin causes the breasts to produce milk spontaneously, not due to childbirth
prolactinoma
a benign tumor of the pituitary gland (pro- means on behalf of, lactin means milk, and -oma means tumor). This type of tumor, which causes the pituitary gland to produce too much of the lactogenic hormone known as prolactin, can cause infertility in women and erectile dysfunction in men and can impair vision
Diabetes insipidus
which is not related to diabetes mellitus, is an uncommon disorder caused by an insufficient production of the antidiuretic hormone ADH or by the inability of the kidneys to respond appropriately to this hormone
Insipidus
comes from a Latin word meaning without taste, referring to the relatively low sodium (salt) content of the urine in patients with diabetes insipidus
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
caused by the overproduction of the antidiuretic hormone ADH. This is often as a result of cancer or its treatment. High amounts of ADH keep the kidneys from excreting water, resulting in bloating and water retention that can dilute the blood, causing electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatremia
pinealoma
a tumor of the pineal gland that can disrupt the production of melatonin. This tumor can also cause insomnia by disrupting the circadian cycle
Thyroid carcinoma
most common cancer of the endocrine system, and is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the United States. Thyroid carcinoma, which has a high survival rate, affects significantly more women than men and is commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 55
Hashimoto’s disease
also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own antibodies attack and destroy the cells of the thyroid gland. This inflammation often leads to hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism
also known as an underactive thyroid, is caused by a deficiency of thyroid secretion. Symptoms include fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold, and a decreased metabolic rate.
Cretinism
a congenital form of hypothyroidism. If treatment is not started soon after birth, cretinism causes arrested physical and mental development
Myxedema
which is also known as adult hypothyroidism, is caused by an extreme deficiency of thyroid secretion. Symptoms include swelling, particularly around the eyes and cheeks; fatigue; and a subnormal temperature
Thyroid nodules
lumps in the thyroid that can grow large enough to cause a goiter (see Graves’ disease later in the chapter). Most nodules are benign; however, some are malignant or produce too much thyroxine
thyroid storm
also known as a thyrotoxic crisis, is a relatively rare, life-threatening condition caused by exaggerated hyperthyroidism. Patients experiencing a thyroid storm may complain of fever, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, tremors, increased sweating, disorientation, and fatigue
Hyperthyroidism
also known as thyrotoxicosis, is the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyper- means excessive, thyroid means thyroid, and -ism means condition), which causes an imbalance of metabolism. This causes symptoms including an increased metabolic rate, sweating, nervousness, and weight loss. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease
Graves’ disease
a disorder of unknown cause in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and stimulates it to make excessive amounts of thyroid hormone (Figure 13.7). This results in hyperthyroidism and can also cause goiter, exophthalmos, or both. Note: A simple way to remember the difference between Hashimoto’s disease (hypothyroidism) and Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism) is that the Hashimoto’s has an o in it like in hypo-, and Graves’ has an e in it like in hyper
Goiter
also known as thyromegaly, is an abnormal, benign enlargement of the thyroid gland. This enlargement produces a swelling in the front of the neck. A goiter usually occurs when the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs, either due to Graves’ disease, other medical conditions, or an iodine deficiency
Exophthalmos
an abnormal protrusion of the eyeball out of the orbit
Hyperparathyroidism
which is the overproduction of the parathyroid hormone, causes the condition known as hypercalcemia (hyper- means excessive, parathyroid means parathyroid, and -ism means condition). Hyperparathyroidism can result from a disorder of the parathyroid gland or from a disorder elsewhere in the body, such as kidney failure. Hyperparathyroidism is the opposite of hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism
is caused by an insufficient or absent secretion of the parathyroid hormone (hypo- means deficient, parathyroid means parathyroid, and -ism means condition). This condition causes hypocalcemia, and in severe cases, it leads to tetany. Tetany is the condition of periodic, painful muscle spasms and tremors. Hypoparathyroidism is the opposite of hyperparathyroidism
Hypercalcemia
characterized by abnormally high concentrations of calcium circulating in the blood instead of being stored in the bones and teeth (hyper- means excessive, calc means calcium, and -emia means blood condition). This can lead to weakened bones and the formation of kidney stones. Hypercalcemia is the opposite of hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia
characterized by abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood. Hypocalcemia is the opposite of hypercalcemia
Thymitis
an inflammation of the thymus gland
insulinoma
a benign tumor of the pancreas that causes hypoglycemia by secreting additional insulin
Pancreatitis
an inflammation of the pancreas (pancreat means pancreas, and -itis means inflammation). A leading cause of pancreatitis is long-term alcohol abuse
Hyperglycemia
an abnormally high concentration of glucose in the blood (hyper- means excessive, glyc means sugar, and -emia means blood condition). Hyperglycemia is seen primarily in patients with diabetes mellitus
Polydipsia
is excessive thirst
Polyphagia
excessive hunger
Polyuria
is excessive urination
Hyperinsulinism
he condition of excessive secretion of insulin in the bloodstream (hyper- means excessive, insulin means insulin, and -ism means condition). Hyperinsulinism can cause hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia
an abnormally low concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood (hypo- means deficient, glyc means sugar, and -emia means blood condition). Symptoms include nervousness and shakiness, confusion, perspiration, or feeling anxious or weak. Hypoglycemia is the opposite of hyperglycemia
Diabetes mellitus
the most common endocrine system disease, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in the body’s production of insulin (type 1) or its ability to use it properly (type 2). Diabetes mellitus is not related to diabetes insipidus
juvenile diabetes
when a child developed diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
a common combination of medical conditions, including increased blood pressure, elevated levels of insulin in the blood, excess body fat around the waist, or abnormal cholesterol levels
Type 1 diabetes
an autoimmune insulin deficiency disorder caused by the destruction of pancreatic islet beta cells
Insulin deficiency
that the pancreatic beta cells do not secrete enough insulin
Type 2 diabetes
insulin resistance disorder. Insulin resistance means that insulin is being produced, but the body does not use it effectively. In an attempt to compensate for this lack of response, the body secretes more insulin. With the rise of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes is increasingly common in children and young adults. Obese adults are also at high risk for this condition
Prediabetes
a condition in which the blood glucose level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. However, this condition indicates an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke
Oral hypoglycemics
which lower blood glucose by causing the pancreas to release more insulin or by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin
Glucophage
similar medications work within the cells to combat insulin resistance and to help insulin let blood glucose into the cells
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults
a condition in which type 1 diabetes develops in adults. It shares many of the characteristics of type 2 diabetes
Latent
means present but not visible
Gestational diabetes mellitus
a form of diabetes mellitus that occurs during some pregnancies. This condition usually disappears after delivery; however, many of these women have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life
diabetic coma
caused by very high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). Also known as diabetic ketoacidosis, this condition is treated by the prompt administration of insulin
Insulin shock
caused by very low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). Oral glucose, which is a sugary substance that can quickly be absorbed into the bloodstream, is consumed to rapidly raise the blood sugar level
Diabetic retinopathy
occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. This causes blood to leak into the posterior segment of the eyeball and produces the damage that causes the loss of vision
Heart disease
occurs because excess blood glucose makes the walls of the blood vessels sticky and rigid. This encourages hypertension and atherosclerosis (see?Chapter 5) and increases the risk of stroke
Ketosis
a normal metabolic process that helps the body utilize stored fat when other sources of energy are lacking. An excessively high level of ketosis may indicate that the body is not producing enough insulin to convert glucose into energy
Kidney disease
can lead to renal failure because damage to the blood vessels reduces blood flow through the kidneys
Peripheral neuropathy
damage to the nerves affecting the hands and feet which makes it harder to feel a cut or other injury
Addison’s disease
sometimes referred to as Addison disease, occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol or aldosterone. This potentially life-threatening condition is characterized by chronic, worsening fatigue and muscle weakness; loss of appetite; low blood pressure; and weight loss. Many patients also develop patches of dark skin
Adrenalitis
inflammation of the adrenal glands
Aldosteronism
an abnormality of the electrolyte balance that is caused by the excessive secretion of aldosterone
Conn’s syndrome
a disorder of the adrenal glands that is caused by the excessive production of aldosterone. This disease, which is a form of primary aldosteronism, can cause weakness, cramps, and convulsions
pheochromocytoma
rare, benign tumor of the adrenal gland that causes too much release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are the hormones that regulate heart rate and blood pressure
Cushing’s syndrome
also known as hypercortisolism, is caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol. Cortisol has an anti-inflammatory action and helps regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body. Signs of Cushing’s syndrome include a rounded, red “moon” face
Hypergonadism
the condition of excessive secretion of hormones by the sex glands
Hypogonadism
he condition of deficient secretion of hormones by the sex glands
Gynecomastia
the condition of excessive mammary development in the male (gynec/o means female, mast means breast, and -ia means abnormal condition). This is caused by a decrease in testosterone
radioactive iodine uptake test
uses radioactive iodine administered orally to measure thyroid function. The amount of radioactivity in the thyroid is measured 6 to 24 hours later using a handheld instrument called a gamma probe
thyroid-stimulating hormone assay
a diagnostic test to measure the circulating blood level of thyroid-stimulating hormone. This test is used to detect abnormal thyroid activity resulting from excessive pituitary stimulation
thyroid scan
which measures thyroid function, is a form of nuclear medicine
fasting blood sugar test FBS
also known as a fasting plasma glucose test, measures the blood glucose levels after the patient has not eaten for 8 to 12 hours. This test is used to screen for diabetes as well as to monitor treatment of this condition
oral glucose tolerance test OGTT
most commonly performed to diagnose gestational diabetes. After fasting at least 8 hours, the patient drinks a liquid containing a high concentration of sugar, and the blood glucose level is tested after 1 hour and again after 2 hours
Home blood glucose monitoring
measures the current blood glucose level using a drop of blood, and is often performed by the patient multiple times per day
random blood glucose test
uses a blood drop sample to measure the current blood glucose level without fasting and can be used to diagnose diabetes
Hemoglobin A1c testing
also known as HbA1c, pronounced as “H-B A-one-C,” is a blood test that measures the average blood glucose level over the previous 3 to 4 months. (Note: The name of this test is sometimes shortened
The fructosamine test
measures average glucose levels over the previous 3 weeks. The fructosamine test is able to detect changes more rapidly than the HbAlc test
human growth hormone (HGH)
a synthetic version of the growth hormone that is administered to stimulate growth when the natural supply of growth hormone is insufficient for normal development
hypophysectomy
is the removal of abnormal glandular tissue (hypophys refers to the pituitary gland, and -ectomy means removal). This surgery is performed through the nasal passages
pinealectomy
the surgical removal of the pineal gland (pineal means pineal gland
antithyroid drug
a medication administered to slow the ability of the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones
Radioactive iodine treatment
s the oral administration of radioactive iodine to destroy thyroid cells. This nuclear medicine procedure, which disables at least part of the thyroid gland, is used to treat thyroid cancer and chronic hyperthyroid disorders such as Graves’ disease
lobectomy
the surgical removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland. This term is also used to describe the removal of a lobe of the liver, brain, or lung
Synthetic thyroid hormones
oral medications administered to replace lost thyroid function
parathyroidectomy
which is the surgical removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands, is performed to control hyperparathyroidism
thymectomy
the surgical removal of the thymus gland
pancreatectomy
the surgical removal of all or part of the pancreas (pancreat means pancreas, and -ectomy means surgical removal). A total pancreatectomy is performed to treat pancreatic cancer. This procedure also involves removing the spleen, gallbladder, common bile duct, and portions of the small intestine and stomach
laparoscopic adrenalectomy
a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove one or both adrenal glands
Cortisone
the synthetic equivalent of corticosteroids produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisone, and the synthetic corticosteroid prednisone, are administered to suppress inflammation and as an immunosuppressant
