Endocrine Flashcards

1
Q

How is the endocrine system arranged

A

Starts in Hypothalamus (part of the brain), interacts with pituitary gland, which sends a signal to bind to a gland, negative feedback loop

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Name the hormones the thyroid prodcues to regulate metabolic activity

A

T3 and T4

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Name the hormones the thyroid produces to regulate metabolic activity

A

T3 and T4

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How does the pituitary act on the thyroid from the hypothalamus

A

Hypothalamus produces Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), to act on pituitary
Pituitary produces Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

what is Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone

A

Hormone secreted from the hypothalamus to act on the pituitary to stimulate it to act on the thyroid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How can you identify a Goiter? (swollen thyroid)

A

The swelling will move when pt swallows

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What causes ‘Derbyshire neck’/ Goiter?

A

Iodine deficiency
Iodine needed for thyroid hormones, thyroid grows in size to try and compensate for lack of

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What causes Hypothyroidism

A

Low T3/T4 hormone levels
Iodine deficiency, drugs, autoimmune thyroid damage, radio-iodine therapy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Signs and symptoms of Hypothyroidism

A

Gain weight, loss of appetite, loss of energy, low BP/HR, intolerance to cold, depression

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Signs and symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

A

Tachycardia, AF, palpitations, weight loss, tremor, anxiety

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What do T3/T4 do?

A

Increase metabolic rate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Management of Hypothyroidism

A

thyroxine tablets, thyroid hormone replacement therapy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Management of Hyperthyroidism

A

Surgical removal of gland, radio-iodone to damage the gland a little bit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Name 4 hormones the adrenal glands produce

A
  • glucocorticoids (cortisol)
  • mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
  • adrenaline/noradrenaline
  • Androgens (develop sexual characteristics)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the function of glucocorticoids?

A

Glucose metabolism, sugar and energy balance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Describe the pathway from hypothalamus to adrenal gland

A

Hypothalamus produces Corticotrophin-Releasing hormone (CRH) for pituitary
Pituitary produces Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) for adrenal gland

17
Q

How does the negative feedback loop work for the adrenal gland

A

Hypothalamus produces CRH for pituitary to stimulate it to produce ACTH to act on adrenal gland, produces cortisol which is detected by hypothalamus to reduce production of CRH

18
Q

how is the adrenal -ve feedback loop important in prescribing?

A

Prescribing corticosteroids for inflammation, works as a imitator or cortisol so will be detected and reduce levels of CRH and reduce adrenal gland action

19
Q

What is the cause of Cushing’s syndrome

A

Excess cortisol (too much cortisol)

20
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome

A

(cortisol controls metabolism)
-Diabetes
-Central Obesity
-Acne
-Peripheral wasting
- thin hair, facial hair, thin skin

21
Q

Causes for Cushing’s Syndrome

A

[Cushing’s syndrome is just the name for having the characteristics from too much cortisol]
- Cushing’s disease = pituitary adenoma secreting too much ACTH
- too many steroids prescribed
- another tumour producing ACTH

22
Q

What is another name for Addison’s disease?

A

Primary Adrenal Insufficiency

23
Q

What are the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency?

A

Very non-specific:
malaise
weight loss
nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
fatigue, depression
muscle and joint pain

24
Q

Cause of Addison’s Disease

A

Autoimmune destruction of the adrenal gland

25
Cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency
Exogenous steroid medication, will act on hypothalamus like cortisol to initiate -ve feedback loop
26
What is an Addisonian crisis
When the body experiences a stress event, it cannot produce extra cortisol like it would normally because it is being suppressed through secondary adrenal insufficiency
27
How can you prevent Addisonian Crisis, and how does it present?
Take extra steroids on the day of surgery/extractions Presents the same as addison's
28
What are the post-op instruction after surgery with addisonian cover
need to make sure pt understands that: - they must keep taking steroids - if the get dry socket, infection, pain, must keep up and maintain fluids - have a steroid rescue pack
29
What controls the body's calcium levels
Parathyroid gland and the parathyroid hormone
30
how does parathyroid hormone (PTH) work?
- PTH causes bone resorption, osteoclasts to break down bone to increase calcium levels - PTH causes kidneys to stimulate Vit D3 conversion to calcitrol (stimulates gut Ca absorption)
31
What stimulates parathyroid hormone release?
Low blood calcium levels
32
What does Calcitriol Do?
Converted from Vit D3, stimulates Ca absorption in the gut
33
What will be the result of hypoparathyroidism?
Hypocalcaemia as PTH isn't being released to increase serum Ca levels
34
Causes of hyperparathyroidism
- PTH secreting tumour - Parathyroid tumour - Renal failure (/Vit D deficiency)
35
Signs and symptoms of hyperparathyroidism
- Stones (more calcium to create duct stones) - Bones (osteoporosis, bone weakening) - Abdominal groans (constipation) - Psychic moans (important in CNS functioning)