Endo Physiology Flashcards
What is the main function of the endocrine system?
Regulate homeostasis, growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
What is the difference between autocrine, paracrine, and juxtacrine signalling?
- Autocrine: Acts on the same cell.
- Paracrine: Acts on neighboring cells.
- Juxtacrine: Requires direct cell-to-cell contact.
What are the main chemical classes of hormones?
- Amino acids (e.g., adrenaline).
- Peptides/proteins (e.g., insulin).
- Steroids (e.g., cortisol).
How do lipid-soluble hormones exert their effects?
Bind intracellular receptors, affecting DNA transcription.
What are the primary mechanisms controlling hormone secretion?
Nervous system signals, other hormones, and metabolite levels.
Which hormones regulate metabolic fuel use?
Insulin, glucagon, cortisol, adrenaline, and growth hormone.
What happens during the anabolic state?
- Increased insulin.
- Glucose and FFAs taken up.
- Activation of anabolic enzymes.
What happens during the catabolic state?
- Increased glucagon.
- Release of glucose and FFAs.
- Activation of catabolic enzymes.
What are the consequences of insulin failure?
Hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, coma, and death.
What are the consequences of excess insulin?
Hypoglycemia, coma, and death.
Where is insulin secreted?
Pancreatic β-cells.
What stimulates insulin release?
Increased plasma glucose, parasympathetic activity, and secretin.
Where is glucagon secreted?
Pancreatic α-cells.
What are glucagon’s effects?
Opposes insulin by promoting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis.
How does glucagon ensure basal insulin levels?
Stimulates insulin release.
What percentage of the UK population is diabetic?
~4-5%.
What are the two main types of diabetes?
Type 1 (autoimmune) and Type 2 (insulin resistance).
What percentage of diabetes cases are Type 2?
~90%.
What is the main pathophysiology of Type 1 DM?
Autoimmune destruction of β-cells.
What is the significance of GAD antibodies in Type 1 DM?
Marker of autoimmune β-cell destruction.
What are the plasma glucose thresholds for diabetes diagnosis?
- Random: >11.1 mmol/L.
- Fasting: >7.0 mmol/L.
- OGTT: >11.1 mmol/L (2 hours post-test).
What does HbA1c measure?
Glycated hemoglobin, reflecting long-term glucose control.
What is the diagnostic HbA1c threshold?
48 mmol/mol (6.5%).
What is the role of C-peptide in DM diagnosis?
Differentiates Type 1 (low) from Type 2 (normal/high).
What are the three hallmark features of DKA?
Hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis.
What causes DKA?
Insulin deficiency and uncontrolled catabolic state.
What are common triggers for DKA?
Infection, missed insulin doses, stress, and drug/alcohol use.
What are the key symptoms of DKA?
Polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
What are Kussmaul respirations?
Deep, labored breathing due to acidosis.
What metabolic abnormalities are seen in DKA?
- Hyperkalemia (plasma).
- Total body potassium deficit.
What is the anion gap in DKA?
Elevated (>12).
What is the primary goal of DKA treatment?
Correct dehydration, acidosis, and electrolyte imbalance.
What distinguishes HHS from DKA?
Extreme hyperglycemia without significant ketosis.
What is the plasma glucose level in HHS?
30 mmol/L.
What is the typical osmolality in HHS?
320 mOsm/kg.
What complications are associated with HHS?
Stroke, MI, DVT, cerebral edema.
What is the primary treatment for HHS?
Gradual normalization of osmolality, fluids, and glucose.
What are the two divisions of the pituitary gland?
- Anterior (adenohypophysis).
- Posterior (neurohypophysis).
How is the anterior pituitary controlled?
Via hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones.
What hormones are stored in the posterior pituitary?
Oxytocin and vasopressin (ADH).
What hormones are secreted by the thyroid?
T3, T4, and calcitonin.
What is the primary action of thyroid hormones?
Increase metabolic rate via Na-K ATPase production.
Which thyroid hormone is more potent?
T3 (10x more than T4).