Endocrine System

Question 1

What is the endocrine system?

Answer 1

Groups of specialized glands that affect the growth, development, sexual activities and health of the entire body

The glands produce chemicals called: HORMONES

Question 2

Hormones:

Answer 2

Are chemical messengers communicating instructions to other cells of the body

hormones enter the bloodstream and are transported to all parts of the body to control body functions and maintain homeostasis

Question 3

Homeostasis:

Answer 3

The balance or consistency of the internal function of the body

Question 4

Secretions of hormones is controlled by the..

Answer 4

Hypothalamus

The nervous system

Question 5

List the organs of the endocrine system (7)

Answer 5

1. Pituitary gland
2. Thyroid gland
3. Parathyroid glands
4. Adrenal glands
5. Pancreas
6. Ovaries
7. Testes

Question 6

Pituitary gland

Answer 6

Located at the base of the brain

referred to as the “master gland”

The pituitary gland secretes hormones that govern hormonal secretion of other endocrine glands

Produces hormones that affect the adrenal gland, gonads, and thyroid gland

Produces growth hormone which stimulates the growth of bones, muscles and organs

Produces prolactin which enhances breast tissue growth and stimulates milk production

Produces oxytocin which triggers contraction of the uterus in labour and childbirth

Produces antidiuretic hormone which regulates water balance in the body

Question 7

Thyroid gland

Answer 7

Located in the anterior neck in two lobes that lie on either side of the trachea (throat)

Regulates metabolic activity

Produces thyroid hormones which require iodine for their production - these hormones regulate metabolic activity and serve as a general pacemaker for the body

Produce calcitonin which regulates the amount of calcium in the blood and maintains healthy bones

Question 8

Parathyroid glands

Answer 8

There are 4 parathyroid glands that are attached to the thyroid

They secrete PARATHYROID HORMONE which helps maintain balance of calcium to maintain healthy bones and body tissue

Question 9

Adrenal glands

Answer 9

Attached to the upper portion of each kidney are two adrenal glands

They secrete 3 types of steroid hormones called: CORTICOSTEROIDS

This includes:

1. Sex hormones (estrogen and androgens) - which maintain secondary sex characteristics i.e breast development, facial hair in men
2. Mineralocorticoids - which regulate electrolyte balance
3. Glucocorticoids (mainly cortisol) - which help promote normal metabolism, resistance to stress and counter inflammatory response

Another part of the adrenal gland produces epinephrine (adrenaline) and nor-epinephrine which are the “flight or fight” response to stress

Most important function of nor-epinephrine: elevate blood pressure

Question 10

Pancreas

Answer 10

Located posterior to the stomach and beneath the liver

It functions as both an exocrine and endocrine gland

Has important roles in digestion and regulations of blood sugar levels

The exocrine function is to produce digestive secretions which flow into the small intestine to help digest food

The endocrine function is to produce glucagon and insulin which regulate blood sugar levels in the body

Question 11

Ovaries

Answer 11

The ovaries are two oval glands located in the pelvic cavity, one on each side of the uterus

They produce the female sex cell, the ovum (egg) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone which are responsible for: the development of female sex characteristics and menstrual cycle regulation

Both hormones play an important role in preparing the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg, in maintaining pregnancy and promoting growth of the placenta

Question 12

Testes

Answer 12

The testes are two oval glands that lie in the scrotum

They produce:

spermatozoa - which are the male sex cells

testosterone - which controls sexual development and reproductive function

Question 13

Pathologies of the pituitary gland

Answer 13

These malfunctions may be congenital or may result from a tumour

Congenital: means present from birth

Question 14

Growth hormone

Answer 14

Malfunction of the pituitary gland in producing growth hormone may result in too little or too much growth

GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY:
Will cause a person to be shorter than average (dwarfism)

GIGANTISM:
Results from excess of growth hormone before puberty and causes excessive skeletal growth

ACROMEGALY:
Occurs when there is an excess of growth hormone in adulthood. It is characterized by enlarged features, particularly of the face, hands and extremities. Has negative effects on the heart

Question 15

Pathologies of the thyroid gland

Answer 15

1. GOITER - enlargement of the thyroid gland due to a lack of iodine in the diet (salt). May also result from inflammation, infection, tumor, or malfunction of the thyroid gland
2. HYPOTHYROIDISM- decreased function of the thyroid gland produces a decrease in metabolic rate, fluid retention, obesity and fatigue
3. HYPERTHYROIDISM- increase function of the thyroid gland results in increased metabolic rate, nervousness, constant hunger, palpitations, weight loss and fatigue

“Graves’ disease” which may cause hyperthyroidism, causes protrusion of the eyeballs

Question 16

Pathologies of the parathyroid glands

Answer 16

Over activity of the parathyroid glands results in high levels of calcium in the blood and demineralization of the bones

Under activity of the parathyroid glands results in low levels of calcium in the blood and causes muscle twitching and spasm known as tetany

In short form…

Over activity = high levels of calcium in blood and demineralization of bones

Under activity = low levels of calcium in blood & muscle twitching/ spasms (tetany)

Question 17

Pathologies of the adrenal glands

Addison’s disease
Cushing’s syndrome

Answer 17

Addison’s disease:

Caused by autoimmune destruction

decreased cortisol production

A chronic disorder that requires lifetime hormone replacement therapy

Causes decreased cardiac output, low blood pressure, dehydration, weakness and fatigue

Hyperpigmentation of the skin causes a bronzed or suntanned look

Gums become bluish-black

Results in a weakened immune system

2. Cushing’s syndrome (hormone excess)

increased cortisol production

The major symptoms are altered fat metabolism causing protruding abdomen, fat pads on the back, “Buffalo hump” and a round “moon face”

Increased facial hair, thinning of scalp hair, decreased menstrual periods for women, decreased testosterone for men

There may be a decreased ability of the body to heal

Cushing’s disease may occur spontaneously or may be caused by a tumour

Question 18

Pathologies of the pancreas: 1

Diabetes mellitus

Answer 18

A chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism that is primarily a result of a deficiency or complete lack of insulin secretion by the pancreas, or defects of the insulin receptors in the cells

Question 19

Type 1 diabetes - insulin dependant

Answer 19

Usually has its onset in children and adolescents and may be associated with a genetic predisposition to the disorders

The cells of the pancreas do not produce insulin and the person affected must take insulin by injection for the rest of their life

Lack of insulin causes an increase in blood sugar and a breakdown of the body fats and proteins

Question 20

Type 2 diabetes

Answer 20

Results from impaired ability of the tissues to use insulin, accompanied by a relative decrease of insulin

This usually occurs in mid life

Approximately 80% of people with type two diabetes are overweight

Changes in diet and increasing exercise is important for people with type two diabetes

Question 21

Gestational diabetes

Answer 21

Occurs during pregnancy

Frequently affects women with a family history of diabetes, who have had a very large baby, who are older, or who have had several pregnancies

These women require nutritional guidance during their pregnancy to protect the health of the fetus

Women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing type two diabetes 5 to 10 years after delivery

Question 22

Symptoms of diabetes

Answer 22

Type one usually has a rapid onset

Type two usually develops more slowly and is often detected during a routine medical examination

Symptoms include: excessive urination, excessive thirst, excessive hunger

There may be blurred vision, fatigue, paresthesia (numbness and tingling of the extremities) and skin infections

Question 23

Treatment of diabetes

Answer 23

It is important that the person with diabetes has nutritional counselling to maintain an appropriate diet and has regular exercise

People with type one diabetes must balance their insulin, food intake and exercise carefully 

Question 24

Precautions and contraindications to aesthetic services with diabetic individuals 

Answer 24

Clients with diabetes may experience a sudden drop in blood sugar levels causing them to feel dizzy or lightheaded; particularly after a lengthy service or having several services in a row

A diabetic client should be encouraged to have snacks or juice handy and should be given time between services to eat the snacks

Diabetics tend to have decreased circulation to the extremities, especially the feet

They may also have peripheral neuropathies ( decreased function of the sensory nerves) especially to the feet. - this means that the client will not have normal sensation of feeling in the feet

No extreme temperatures either hot or cold should be used on the feet

Because of decreased circulation, there will also be a decrease in ability to heal

The feet should be checked carefully for any sores or cracks

No oils should be used if sores or cracks are present

The esthetician must be extremely careful to avoid any chance of infection

extreme care must be taken when performing pedicure so that the skin is not damaged

Question 25

Pathologies of the pancreas: 2

Hypoglycemia

Answer 25

Hypoglycaemia is excess of insulin in the blood which causes below normal blood sugar levels

This can occur with diabetics who have taken too much insulin, failed to eat, increased exercise, or in some other way changed their routine

Some people who are not diabetic commonly have bouts of hypoglycemia, particularly if they skip meals or do not eat at regular times

They may feel shaky, faint, headachey or emotional
These people need to eat regular, well-balanced meals and avoid over consumption of sugar

They may be prone to developing type two diabetes in midlife if nutrition is not well managed

Question 26

Pathologies of the ovaries

Amenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea

Answer 26

Disfunction of the ovaries include dysfunctional menstrual cycles

Amenorrhea is a term for a lack of menstruation in women who have undergone puberty.

Primary amenorrhea applies to individuals who have reached 16 years of age without beginning menses.

Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of periods for three months or more in women who have previously menstruated

Amenorrhea is caused by a lack of hormones for various reasons

Pregnancy is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea
- problems with hormones can also be a cause

Treatment of amenorrhea depends on the underlying cause

Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)

Dysmenorrhea May be caused by conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic adhesions or pelvic inflammatory disease

Cancer can be found in the ovaries, as in any organ

Question 27

What are the four main hormones the pituitary gland produces?

Answer 27

Growth hormone, prolactin, oxytocin, antiduretic