Chapter 14: Endocrine System Flashcards
1
Q
What is the primary function of the endocrine system?
A
To produce specialized chemicals called hormones that enter the bloodstream and travel to target tissues or organs.
2
Q
What is homeostasis?
A
The internal state of equilibrium in the body for effective functioning of all body systems.
3
Q
How do hormones affect target tissues?
A
They bind to specific receptors on target tissues or organs to initiate a biological effect.
4
Q
What hormone does thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulate?
A
Thyroxine (T4).
5
Q
What is the pituitary gland often referred to as?
A
The master gland.
6
Q
What are the two distinct portions of the pituitary gland?
A
- Anterior lobe (adenohypophysis)
- Posterior lobe (neurohypophysis)
7
Q
What hormones are stored and secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland?
A
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
- Oxytocin
8
Q
Where is the thyroid gland located?
A
In the neck just below the larynx.
9
Q
What are the two active hormones produced by the thyroid gland?
A
- Thyroxine (T4)
- Triiodothyronine (T3)
10
Q
What is the primary function of thyroid hormone (TH)?
A
To increase the rate of oxygen consumption and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
11
Q
What is the role of parathyroid hormone (PTH)?
A
To regulate calcium balance by stimulating bones, kidneys, and intestines.
12
Q
What do mineralocorticoids, like aldosterone, primarily regulate?
A
Electrolyte balance (sodium and potassium) in the body.
13
Q
What is the primary glucocorticoid hormone?
A
Cortisol.
14
Q
What role does insulin play in blood glucose regulation?
A
It clears glucose from the blood and promotes its storage in tissues as carbohydrates.
15
Q
What condition is caused by hyposecretion of insulin?
A
Diabetes mellitus.
16
Q
What is the function of thymosin secreted by the thymus gland?
A
It plays a role in the development of the immune response in newborns.
17
Q
True or False: The adrenal glands are also known as suprarenal glands.
A
True.
18
Q
What does the prefix ‘adren/o’ refer to?
A
It refers to the adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and produce hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
19
Q
What does ‘adrenal/o’ signify?
A
It signifies something related to the adrenal glands.
This term is often used in medical contexts concerning adrenal functions.
20
Q
What does the root ‘calc/o’ indicate?
A
It indicates calcium.
Calcium is vital for bone health and various bodily functions.
21
Q
What does ‘crin/o’ mean?
A
It means to secrete.
This term is often used in the context of hormone secretion.
22
Q
What does ‘gluc/o’ refer to?
A
It refers to glucose.
Glucose is a simple sugar that is an essential energy source for the body.
23
Q
What does the root ‘glyc/o’ signify?
A
It signifies glycogen or sugar.
Glycogen is a stored form of glucose in the liver and muscles.
24
Q
What does ‘glycos/o’ indicate?
A
It indicates sugar.
This term is often used in medical terminology related to blood sugar levels.
25
What does the prefix 'home/o' mean?
It means the same or unchanging.
## Footnote
This term is often used in contexts like homeostasis, which refers to maintaining stable internal conditions.
26
What does 'kal/i' refer to?
It refers to potassium.
## Footnote
Potassium is an essential mineral important for various bodily functions, including muscle contraction and nerve transmission.
27
What does the root 'pancreat/o' signify?
It signifies the pancreas.
## Footnote
The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin.
28
What does 'parathyroid/o' indicate?
It indicates the parathyroid glands.
## Footnote
The parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels in the blood.
29
What does 'thym/o' refer to?
It refers to the thymus gland.
## Footnote
The thymus is involved in the development of the immune system, particularly T-cells.
30
What does 'thyr/o' signify?
It signifies the thyroid gland.
## Footnote
The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and energy levels.
31
What does 'thyroid/o' mean?
It means related to the thyroid gland.
## Footnote
This term is often used in medical discussions about thyroid health.
32
What does 'toxic/o' refer to?
It refers to poison or toxins.
## Footnote
This term is used in contexts related to toxicity or harmful substances.
33
What does the suffix '-crine' mean?
It means to secrete.
## Footnote
This suffix is often used in terms related to hormone secretion.
34
What does the suffix '-dipsia' signify?
It signifies thirst.
## Footnote
This suffix is commonly used in conditions related to excessive thirst.
35
What does the suffix '-gen' refer to?
It refers to something that produces or generates.
## Footnote
This suffix is often used in terms related to substances that cause certain effects.
36
What does '-toxic' mean?
It means poisonous.
## Footnote
This suffix is often used in medical terms to describe harmful substances.
37
What does '-uria' refer to?
It refers to urine or a condition of the urine.
## Footnote
This suffix is commonly used in medical terms related to urinary conditions.
38
Fill in the blank: The prefix 'eu-' means _______.
good or normal.
39
Fill in the blank: The prefix 'exo-' indicates _______.
outside.
40
Fill in the blank: The prefix 'poly-' means _______.
many.
41
What are the two main causes of endocrine disorders?
Hyposecretion and hypersecretion of hormones
42
What is the role of an endocrinologist?
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders
43
What is cretinism?
Deficiency of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) that develops in infants
44
What is myxedema?
Hypothyroidism that develops during adulthood
45
What is hyperthyroidism?
A condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone
46
What is Graves disease?
The most common form of hyperthyroidism, an autoimmune disorder
47
What causes hyperthyroidism in toxic nodular or multinodular hyperthyroidism?
Formation of nodules or lumps on the thyroid gland
48
What is hypoparathyroidism?
Insufficient production of parathyroid hormone (PTH)
49
What is a primary effect of hypoparathyroidism?
Decreased blood calcium level (hypocalcemia)
50
What are the symptoms of hypocalcemia?
Muscle twitches and spasms (tetany)
51
What is hyperparathyroidism?
Excessive production of parathyroid hormone (PTH)
52
What is Addison disease?
A chronic disorder caused by a deficiency of cortical hormones
53
What is Cushing syndrome?
A cluster of symptoms produced by excessive amounts of cortisol or ACTH in the blood
54
What is pheochromocytoma?
A neoplasm that produces excessive amounts of epinephrine and norepinephrine
55
What is diabetes mellitus (DM)?
A chronic metabolic disorder of impaired carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism due to insufficient insulin production or use
56
What are the two primary forms of diabetes mellitus?
* Type 1 diabetes
* Type 2 diabetes
57
What characterizes type 1 diabetes?
An autoimmune disease where the body does not produce sufficient insulin
58
What characterizes type 2 diabetes?
Body’s cells are resistant to insulin or pancreas is deficient in producing insulin
59
What is the most common pancreatic disorder?
Diabetes mellitus (DM)
60
What is the prognosis for pancreatic cancer?
Poor, with only a 2% survival rate in 5 years
61
What are the common types of tumors found in the pituitary gland?
Adenomas, which are noncancerous growths
62
What is thyroid carcinoma?
Cancer of the thyroid gland classified by the specific tissue affected
63
What is diabetes insipidus (DI)?
Disorder characterized by excessive thirst (polydipsia) and excessive urination (polyuria) due to inadequate production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
## Footnote
DI can lead to severe dehydration if not treated.
64
Define diuresis.
Increased formation and secretion of urine
## Footnote
Diuresis can be caused by various factors, including medications and medical conditions.
65
What is gestational diabetes?
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy (gestation)
## Footnote
This condition typically resolves after childbirth but can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.
66
What is acromegaly?
Hypersecretion of GH in adults, resulting in enlargement of bones in the extremities and head
## Footnote
Acromegaly is often caused by a benign tumor of the pituitary gland.
67
Define dwarfism.
Hyposecretion of GH during childhood, resulting in extreme shortness in stature (final height of only 3’ to 4’) but normal body proportions
## Footnote
Dwarfism can be caused by various genetic and hormonal factors.
68
What is giantism?
Hypersecretion of GH during childhood, resulting in an abnormal increase in the length of long bones and extreme height (up to 8′ tall) but with body proportions remaining about normal
## Footnote
Giantism is often associated with pituitary tumors.
69
What is hirsutism?
Excessive distribution of body hair, especially in women
## Footnote
Hirsutism can be caused by hormonal imbalances, including elevated androgen levels.
70
Define hypercalcemia.
A condition in which the calcium level in the blood is higher than normal
## Footnote
Hypercalcemia can lead to various health issues, including kidney stones and osteoporosis.
71
What is hyperkalemia?
A condition in which the potassium level in the blood is higher than normal
## Footnote
Hyperkalemia can cause serious cardiac issues and requires medical attention.
72
Define hypervolemia.
Abnormal increase in the volume of blood plasma in the body
## Footnote
Hypervolemia can be associated with conditions such as heart failure and kidney disease.
73
What is hyponatremia?
Lower-than-normal level of sodium in the blood
## Footnote
Hyponatremia can lead to symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, coma.
74
Define insulinoma.
Tumor of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas, causing excessive production of insulin and leading to hypoglycemia
## Footnote
Insulinomas are rare and can usually be treated surgically.
75
What is neurofibromatosis (NF)?
A genetic disorder with multiple benign fibrous tumors that grow anywhere in the nervous system
## Footnote
NF can lead to various complications depending on the location and size of the tumors.
76
Define obesity.
Abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more of an individual’s ideal body weight
## Footnote
Obesity is associated with numerous health risks, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
77
What is panhypopituitarism?
Total pituitary impairment that brings about a progressive and general loss of hormone activity
## Footnote
Panhypopituitarism can lead to a variety of hormonal deficiencies affecting multiple body systems.
78
What is a thyroid storm?
Crisis of uncontrolled hyperthyroidism caused by the release into the bloodstream of an increased amount of thyroid hormone
## Footnote
Thyroid storm is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
79
Define virilism.
Masculinization or the development of male secondary sex characteristics in a woman
## Footnote
Virilism can result from excessive androgen production or exposure.
80
What is Exophthalmometry?
Measures the degree of forward displacement of the eyeball (exophthalmos) as seen in Graves' disease
## Footnote
Exophthalmos is commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, particularly in Graves' disease.
81
What is the A1c test used for?
Blood test used to diagnose and manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes; also called glycated hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1c, and HbA1c.
## Footnote
The A1c test reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.
82
What does fasting blood sugar (FBS) measure?
Measures glucose levels in a blood sample following a fast of at least 8 hours
## Footnote
FBS is commonly used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.
83
What is the Glucose tolerance test (GTT)?
Screening test in which a dose of glucose is administered and blood samples are taken at regular intervals following the dose to determine how quickly glucose is cleared from the blood
## Footnote
GTT is often used to diagnose gestational diabetes.
84
What is the purpose of the insulin tolerance test (ITT)?
A diagnostic test in which insulin is injected into the vein, causing severe hypoglycemia to assess growth hormone (GH) and cortisol reserve
## Footnote
ITT is particularly useful in evaluating adrenal insufficiency.
85
What does a thyroid function test (TFT) detect?
Detects an increase or decrease in thyroid function
## Footnote
TFT can help diagnose conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
86
What is measured in a Total calcium test?
Measures blood calcium levels to detect bone and parathyroid disorders, malabsorption, or an overactive thyroid
## Footnote
Abnormal calcium levels can indicate various health issues, including osteoporosis.
87
What is the radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) and scan used for?
Nuclear imaging procedure that combines a thyroid scan with an RAIU procedure to evaluate the structure and physiological functioning of the thyroid gland
## Footnote
This test helps assess thyroid nodules and hyperthyroidism.
88
What is a Parathyroidectomy?
Excision of one or more of the parathyroid glands, usually to control hyperparathyroidism
## Footnote
Hyperparathyroidism can lead to elevated calcium levels and various complications.
89
What is a thyroidectomy?
Excision of the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), a part of it (subtotal thyroidectomy), or a single lobe (thyroid lobectomy)
## Footnote
Thyroidectomy is often performed to treat thyroid cancer or severe hyperthyroidism.
90
What is transsphenoidal hypophysectomy?
Endoscopic surgery to remove a pituitary tumor through an incision in the sphenoid sinus (transsphenoidal) without disturbing brain tissue
## Footnote
This approach minimizes damage to surrounding brain structures.
91
What is insulin injection therapy?
Lifelong therapy using a fine needle and syringe to inject insulin for controlling type 1 diabetes
## Footnote
Insulin injections are necessary for individuals with type 1 diabetes due to their inability to produce insulin.
92
What is Insulin pump therapy?
Treatment for type 1 diabetes that uses a device that continuously delivers insulin through a catheter placed under the skin
## Footnote
This method allows for better glucose control and flexibility in managing diabetes.
