Endocrine Flashcards
Acr/o
Extremities (hands and feet), top, extreme point
Crin/o
Secrete
-dipsia
Thirst
Endocrine Glands; and major glands of the Endocrine System
Glands which produce hormones and do not have ducts
13 major glands: Pituitary, or hypophysis (2 lobes: anterior, posterior); Pineal; Thyroid; Parathyroid; Thymus; Pancreas (pancreatic islets); Adrenal; Gonads (ovaries or testicles)
Secretions of the Pituitary Gland: Anterior and Posterior
Anterior: adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH); follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); growth hormone (GH); lactogenic hormone, or prolactin (LTH); luteinizing hormone (LH); melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH); thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Posterior: antiduretic hormone (ADH); oxytocin (OXT)
Calcitonin
A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that works with parathyroid hormone (PTH) to decrease calcium levels in the blood and tissues by moving calcium into storage in the bones and teeth
Glucagon
A hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets in response to low blood glucose levels. Glucagon increases glucose levels by stimulating the liver to convert glycogen into glucose for release into the bloodstream
Acromegaly vs. Gigantism
Acromegaly is a rare chronic disease characterized by abnormal enlargement of the extremities (hands and feet) caused by the excessive secretion of GH after puberty.
Gigantism is an abnormal growth of the entire body that is caused by excessive secretion of GH before puberty.
Diabetes Insipidus (DI) & Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
DI is caused by insufficient production of ADH or by the inability of the kidneys to respond appropriately to ADH. When there is insufficient ADH, too much fluid is excreted by the kidneys, leading to polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyuria (excessive urination).
SIADH is caused by the overproduction of ADH. High amounts of ADH keep the kidneys from excreting water, resulting in bloating and water retention that can dilute the blood, causing electrolyte imbalances.
Myxedema
Adult hypothyroidism; an extreme deficiency of thyroid secretion.
Thyroid storm
Thyrotoxic crisis; a rare condition caused by exaggerated hyperthyroidism. Patients may experience fever, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, tremors, increased sweating, disorientation, and fatigue
Graves’ Disease
A disorder of unknown cause in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and stimulates the synthesis of excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. The resulting hyperthyroidism can cause goiter (thyromegaly) and/or exophthalmos (protruding eyeballs).
Type 1 Diabetes
An autoimmune deficiency disorder caused by the destruction of pancreatic islet beta cells, resulting in insulin deficiency. The onset of type 1 diabetes is often triggered by a viral infection. Symptoms include polydipsia, polyphagia (excessive hunger), polyuria, weight loss, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, and slow healing.
Diabetic coma & Insulin shock
Diabetic ketoacidosis; A diabetic coma is caused by very high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). Treated with prompt insulin administration.
Insulin shock is caused by very low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). Oral glucose is consumed to rapidly raise the blood sugar level.
Addison’s disease
The adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol or aldosterone. Characterized by chronic, worsening fatigue and muscle weakness; loss of appetite; low blood pressure; and weight loss. Patches of dark skin may also be present.
Conn’s syndrome
A disorder of the adrenal glands that is caused by the excessive production of aldosterone. A form of primary aldosteronism.
Pheochromocytoma
A rare, benign tumor of the adrenal gland that causes too much release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are hormones that regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
Gynecomastia
The condition of excessive mammary development in males. Caused by a decrease in testosterone.
Hemoglobin A1c testing
HbA1c, or A1c; a blood test that measures the average blood glucose level over the previous 3 to 4 months.
Hypophysectomy
The surgical removal of abnormal pituitary glandular tissue. Performed through the nasal passages.
Leptin
A protein hormone secreted by fat cells that is involved in the regulation of appetite. Leptin acts on the hypothalamus to suppress appetite and burn fat stored in adipose tissue.
Secretions of the Adrenal Medulla
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
Epinephrine - adrenalin; stimulates the sympathetic nervous system in response to physical injury or to mental stress. It also helps the liver release glucose and limits insulin release.
Norepinephrine - a hormone and neurohormone; released as a hormone by the adrenal medulla and as a neurohormone by the sympathetic nervous system
Aldosterone
A corticosteroid, secreted by the adrenal cortex that regulates the sodium and water levels by increasing sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion by the kidneys.
