Endocrine (Exam 3) Flashcards
Pituitary Gland
Anterior Pituitary and Posterior Pituitary
Anterior pituitary secretes
Thyroid stimulating hormone
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Posterior Pituitary Secretes
Antidiuretic hormone (Vasopressin)
Oxytocin
Adreneocorticotropic Hormone
ACTH
Released by anterior pituitary and acts on the adrenal cortex to stimulate production to release other hormones like
cortisol and aldosterone and androgens
Adrenal Glands
Sit on the top of the kidneys and is composed of inner medulla and outer cortex
ACTH floats down our blood system into
our adrenal cortex
The adrenal medulla secretes what is response to our SNS being stimulated
Epinephrine and norepinephrine
both of these prolong and enhance effects of SNS / Flight and fight system
In response to ACTH, the adrenal cortex secretes
Glucocorticoids (Cortisol)
Mineralocorticoids (ALdosterone)
Sex steroids (Androgens)
Made on demand and not stored
THREE SSS’s
Sugar
Salt
Sex
Adrenocortical Hormone Disorders
Addison disease (Too little)
Cushing Syndrome (Too much)
Cushing Syndrome
A collection of signs and symptoms associated with HYPERCORTISOLISM
Cushing Syndrome: 3 Causes
- Primary hyperfunctions
- Secondary hyperfunction
- Exogenous steroids
Primary Cushing Syndrome
Dysfunction of the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex is secreting to much cortisol
Secondary Cushing Syndrome
Dysfunction of the anterior pituitary. Too much ACTH
Exogenous Cushing Syndrome
Too much steroid use. This is the most common cause
Cortisol Functions
-Raises blood sugar (opposes insulin)
-Protects against the physiologic effects of stress
-Suppress immune and inflammatory processes
-Breaks down protein and fat
Functions of Cortisol
6
Increase glucose Availability
Maintain Vascular System
Protein Breakdown
Fat Breakdown
Suppression of immune and inflammatory responses
CNS excitability
Some with cushing syndrome will present as
Hirsutism
Obese Abdomen (thins legs and arms)
Gynecomastia
Moon face and buffalo hump
Pour wound healing
Elevated blood pressure
Red cheek
Addison Disease
Disease of the adrenal cortex that causes HYPOsecretion of all 3 adrenocortical hormones
Addison: Most severe effects come from the lack of
cortisol
Addison Disease: Etiology
Idiopathic
Autoimmune (Most common)
Addison Disease: Pathogenesis
Adrenal gland destroyed and not functioning
Lack of feedback so the anterior pituitary increase the production ACTH and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) are secreted in large amounts
Manifestations do not come evident until 90% of the adrenal cortex is destroyed
Addison Disease: Clinical Manifestations: Early
Anorexia and weight loss
Weakness and malaise
Electrolyte imbalances (hypoaldosterone)
Skin hyperpigmentation (MSH)
Addison Disease: Clinical Manifestations: Hypoaldosteronism
Hypotension:
Decrease Vascular Tones
Decrease CO
Decreased circulating blood volume
Salt craving:
Decreased Na levels
Increased K levels
Dehydration
Low blood pressure, low vascular tone, low circulating blood means we are losing sodium and water. This means patients have a salt craving with hyperkalemia. They become dehydration
Addison Disease: Clinical Manifestation: Hypocortisolism
Hypoglycemia
Weakness and fatigue
Unsuppressed ACTH production and MSH production
Hyperpigmentation
