endocrine function Flashcards
endocrine system
-complex messaging & control system
-uses hormones secreted by glands located throughout the body
-hormones are classified/described in regards to action, source, or chem structure
-hormones exert action by interacting w target cells on glands & tissues
What are the 4 categories of hormones based on chem composition?
-steroids
-protein or polypeptides
-amines & amino acids
-fatty acid derivatives
the endocrine system uses a _______ & ________ feedback system to regulate hormone release.
negative, positive
pituitary gland
(master gland)
-roughly the size of a pea, located at the base of the brain
-divided into 2 parts: the anterior & posterior pituitary gland
what several glands does the pituitary gland secrete
-TSH
-growth hormone
-adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
-follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone
-prolactin
-melanocyte-stimulating hormone
-antidiuretic hormone
-oxytocin
hypopituitarism
rare, complex condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce sufficient amts of some or all of its hormones (panhypopituitarism)
-progressive disorder that can occur suddenly but usually develops slowly
causes of hypopituitarism
congenital defects, cerebral/pituitary trauma, autoimmune conditions, tuberculosis, pituitary tumors, hemochromatosis, hypothalamic dysfuction
what does hypopituitarism cause
-dwarfism: short stature caused by deficient levels of growth hormone, somatotropin, or somatotropin-releasing hormone
-diabetes insipidus: excessive fluid excretion in the kidneys caused by deficient antidiuretic hormone levels
hyperpituitarism
-the pituitary gland secretes excessive amts of one or all of the pituitary hormones, most commonly caused by tumors secreting hormone or hormone-like substances
-progressive; can occur suddenly but usually develops slowly
hyperpituitarism can cause
-gigantism: tall stature caused by excessive growth hormone prior to puberty
-acromegaly: increased bone size caused by excessive growth hormone in adulthood
-Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone: increased renal water retention caused by excessive antidiuretic hormone
-hyperprolactinemia: excessive prolactin that results in menstrual dysfunction
-Cushing’s syndrome: excessive cortisol that results from the increased ACTH levels
-Hyperthyroidism: hypermetabolic state caused by excessive thyroid hormones from increased TSH
pancreas
-organ w exocrine & endocrine functions
-lies underneath the stomach btwn the 2 kidneys in the retroperitoneum
endocrine functions are carried out by approx 1 million islets of __________
Langerhans
describe the 5 types of Langerhans cell types
-alpha cells: secrete glucagon when serum glucose levels fall
-beta cells: secrete insulin when serum glucose levels increase & amylin to enhance insulin
-delta cells: screte somatostatin, which regulates insulin & glucagon
-pp cells: secrete a pancreatic polypeptide, which regulates some of the other pancreatic acts
-epsilon cells: secrete ghrelin, which stimulates hunger
-diabetes mellitus (DM)
-a group of conditions characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both
-impaired insulin production or action results in abnorm carbohydrate, protein, & fat metabolism
DM manifestations
hyperglycemia, glucosuria, polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, blurred vision, & fatigue
DM complications
-hyperglycemia: blood glucose above 125 mg/dL while fasting; glucose toxicity affects blood vessels in all your organs, leads to cardiovascular damage
-diabetic ketoacidosis DKA: w out enough insulin, the body begins to break down fat as fuel. this causes a buildup of acids in the bloodstream called ketones
can lead to organ failure & cerebral edema
-heart disease, stroke, hypertension diabetic retinopathy, blindness, kidney disease, neuropathy, amputation, delayed healing, pregnancy complications
type 1 diabetes
-insufficient insulin produc
-immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells
-must take insulin - injections
-usually strikes children & young adults, although disease onset can occur at any age
-exact cause unknown, but most likely a viral or environmental trigger in genetically susceptible ppl that causes an autoimmune reaction
-cannot be prevented
prediabetes
-blood glucose levels are higher than norm
-cells become insulin-resistant, adipose cells also secrete immune/inflammatory substances that impair insulin sensitivity & glucose metabolism
-glucose levels in the blood increase as a result of insulin resistance
-causes pancreas to increase insulin produc to compensate
-hyperglycemia may destroy/desensitize beta cells (glucose toxicity)
-lifestyle changes can prevent or delay type 2 DM
-diet high in fruits, veggies, lean meats, & whole grains
-increased physical act