Endocrine System

Question 1

Tetany

Answer 1

A condition marked by intermittent muscular spasms, caused by malfunction of the parathyroid glands and a consequent deficiency of calcium.

Question 2

Diabetes Insipidus

Answer 2

Disease characterized by passage of a large quantity of dilute urine plus intense thirst and dehydration caused by inadequate release of antidiuretic hormone.

Question 3

Type I Diabetes

Answer 3

Autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the Islet of Langerhans causing them to no longer be able to produce insulin.

Question 4

Type II Diabetes

Answer 4

Insulin resistance: pancreas produces insulin but body is insensitive to it.

Question 5

Graves’ Disease

Answer 5

An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism. The immune system attacks the thyroid and mimics TSH, causing it to make more thyroid hormone than your body needs. Treat with beta blocker, anti-thyroid therapy, or radioactive iodine therapy.

Question 6

Addison’s Disease

Answer 6

An uncommon disorder that occurs when your body produces too little cortisol and often too little aldosterone from the adrenal glands. Decrease in glucose and sodium levels. Causes weight loss, severe dehydration, fatigue, and hypotension.

Question 7

Cushing’s Syndrome

Answer 7

Occurs when your body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol for a long time. Depresses cartilage and bone formation. Inhibits inflammation. Depresses the immune system. Promotes changes in cardiovascular (high blood pressure) and gastrointestinal function. May result in Type II Diabetes.

Question 8

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Answer 8

An autoimmune disorder in which antibodies directed against the thyroid gland lead to chronic inflammation. Most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States.

Question 9

Simple Goiter

Answer 9

A deficiency of the thyroid hormone due to iodine deficiency. Pituitary release of TSH so thyroid overstimulated and enlarges. Prevention: get enough iodine through iodized salt.

Question 10

Acromegaly

Answer 10

Rare condition that causes abnormal growth; most notable in terms of height. It occurs when your child’s pituitary gland makes too much GH.

Question 11

Pituitary Dwarfism

Answer 11

Hyposecretion of GH which results in very slow or delayed growth that leads to below average adult height. Usually caused by a dysfunction of the hypothalamus.