Endocrine and Metabolic Systems Flashcards
What 3 structures primarily make up the endocrine system?
Hypothalamus
Pituitary gland
Nervous System
The hypothalamus controls the release of ______.
Pituitary hormones
List 5 hormones that the anterior pituitary gland controls the release of.
Growth hormone Adrenocorticotropic hormone Follicle stimulating hormone Luteinizing hormone Prolactin
The posterior pituitary gland controls the release of ______ and _____.
Anti diuretic hormone
Oxytocin
What structure controls the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine?
Adrenal medulla
The pancreatic islet cells control the release of _____, _____, and _____.
Insulin
Glucagon
Somatostatin
What hormones are secreted by the alpha vs beta vs delta pancreatic cells?
Alpha = Glucagon Beta = Insulin and Amylin Delta = Somatostatin
Describe the function of insulin versus glucagon.
Insulin = allows uptake of glucose from the bloodstream; suppresses hepatic glucose production
Glucagon = stimulate hepatic glucose production to raise glucose levels, especially in fasting state
Describe the function of Amylin versus Somatostatin.
Amylin = moderates rate of nutrient delivery (gastric emptying); suppresses release of glucagon
Somatostatin = suppresses the secretion of Insulin and glycogen; decreases gastric motility; decreases secretion and absorption of GI tract
What are 5 risk factors for developing metabolic syndrome?
- Abdominal obesity: men > 40 inches, women > 35 inches
- High triglyceride levels: 150 mg/dL or higher or using cholesterol medication
- Cholesterol: low HDL cholesterol; men < 40mg/dL, women < 50mg/dl or using cholesterol medication
- High BP: SBP >135 mmHg and or DBP > 85 mmHg
- Blood sugar: fasting glucose level 100 mg/dL or higher
How many risk factors must be present in order for a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome to be made?
Diagnosis requires presence of 3 or more risk factors
What is diabetes mellitus?
Disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism caused by deficiency or absence of insulin secretion by the beta cells of the pancreas or by defect of the insulin receptors
Causes abnormally high levels of sugar or glucose in the blood
Describe Type I DM. (4)
- Decrease in size and number of islet cells resulting in absolute deficiency in insulin secretion
- Usually affects children and young adults
- Insulin dependent: requires insulin delivery by injection, inhalation or pump
- Prone to ketoacidosis (presence of ketone bodies in urine)
Describe Type II DM. (3)
- Insulin resistance in muscle and adipose tissue
- Not prone to ketoacidosis
- Progressive beta cell dysfunction
What is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)?
Glucose intolerance (high blood sugar) associated with pregnancy; most likely in the third trimester
List 8 signs and symptoms associated with diabetes mellitus.
- Elevated blood sugar
- Elevated sugar in urine
- Excessive excretion of urine (polyuria)
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia); dry mouth
- Excessive hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision, headaches
What is diabetic polyneuropathy?
Symmetrical numbness and tingling of the hands and feet (stocking glove distribution) that begins distally and progresses proximally
List 3 diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus.
- Casual plasma glucose concentration > or equal to 200 mg/dL
- Fasting plasma glucose > or equal to 126 mg/dL
- 2 hour post load glucose > or equal to 200 mg/dL
List 8 signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Glucose < 70 mg/dL
- Pallor
- Sweating
- Shakiness/trembling
- Tachycardia/palpitations
- Excessive hunger
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and weakness
What should the PT do if a patient is experiencing a hypoglycemic versus hyperglycemic episode?
Hypoglycemia: provide sugar if patient is awake (juice, candy, glucose tablet); if patient is unresponsive seek immediate medical treatment (glucagon or IV glucose required)
Hyperglycemia: seek immediate medical treatment
List 7 signs and symptoms associated with hyperglycemia.
- Glucose > 300 mg/dL
- Weakness
- Dry mouth, increased thirst
- Frequent, scant urination
- Decreased appetite (nausea/vomiting)
- Deep, rapid respirations
- Fruity odor to the breath (acetone breath)
What BMI values indicate overweight, obesity and morbid obesity?
Overweight: BMI = 25-29.9
Obesity: BMI > or equal to 30
Morbid obesity: BMI > 40
Skin caliber measurement of greater than _____ is indicative of excess body fat.
> 1 inch
What is hypothyroidism?
An under active thyroid gland with deficient thyroid secretions (thyroxine); lower than normal T4 levels
List 6 symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
- Myalgia
- Proximal muscle weakness
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Bradycardia
- Unexplained weight gain
If hypothyroidism is untreated, the patient can develop _____.
Myxedema
Symptoms: swelling of hands, feet and face (can lead to coma and death)
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperactivity of the thyroid gland with excess section of thyroid hormone (thyroxine).
List 9 signs and symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.
- Nervousness
- Hyperreflexia
- Tremor
- Hunger
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Heat intolerance
- Diarrhea
- Tachycardia
What is primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)?
Partial or complete failure of adrenocortical function; results in decreased production of cortisol and aldosterone
List 6 signs and symptoms associated with Addison’s disease.
- Increased bronze pigmentation of the skin
- Weakness, decreased endurance
- Anorexia, weight loss, dehydration
- Anxiety, depression
- Decreased tolerance to cold
- Intolerance to stress
What is Cushing’s Syndrome?
Metabolic disorder resulting from chronic and excessive production of cortisol by the adrenal cortex
What is the most common cause of Cushing’s Syndrome?
Pituitary tumor with increased secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone.
List 8 signs and symptoms associated with Cushing’s syndrome.
- Decreased glucose tolerance
- Round ‘moon’ face
- Obesity (buffalo hump)
- Decreased testosterone levels or menstrual periods
- Muscular atrophy
- Edema
- Hypokalemia
- Emotional changes
