Endocrine test Flashcards
functions of endocrine system
hormones: chemical messengers traveling throughout body coordinating growth, metabolism, fertility, produced by endocrine glands directly into bloodstream
Produce hormones that maintain homeostasis
location/function pituitary gland
releases antidiuretic hormone that is made by hypothalamus, luteinizing hormone: stimulates ovulation in females
secretes hormones that control activity of other endocrine glands
location/function pineal gland
secretes melatonin which influences sleep wake cycle
central portion of brain
location/function thyroid gland
each side of larynx, regulates metabolism w/ T4 and T3, produces calcitonin
calcitonin function
works together with parathyroid hormone to regulate calcium levels in blood and tissues
T3 and T4 function
Regulates metabolism
location/function parathyroid gland
Produces parathyroid hormone that works with calcitonin to regulate calcium levels throughout body
Thyroid
location/function thymus
secretes thymosin which stimulates T cells to mature
Sternum
what systems do pancreatic islets perform functions in
Digestive and endocrine
thymosin function
Stimulates T cells to mature
location/function pancreatic islets
glucagon-stimulates liver to convert glycogen into glucose which increases amount glucose in bloodstream, control blood sugar levels and glucose metabolism, insulin, stomach
insulin function
Allows glucose to enter the cells and stimulates liver to convert glucose into glycogen for storage
location/function adrenal glands
work with SNS in response to stress, controls electrolyte levels in body, metabolism, androgens, corticosteroids, cortisol
on top of each kidney
what are electrolytes and their function
Minerals found in blood
what are corticosteroids and their function
Regulate salt and water levels and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
what is epinephrine and what is function
Aka adrenaline stimulates SNS
what is norepinephrine and its function
Hormone and neurohormone, fight or flight, raises blood pressure, strengths heartbeat, stimulates muscle contractions
location/function gonads
male: testicles, produce gametes, female: ovaries, secrete hormones responsible for 2nd sex characteristics during puberty
testosterone function
stimulates development of male secondary sex characteristics
estrogen function
secreted by ovaries, maintains female secondary sex characteristics and regulates menstrual cycle
what is endocrinologist
physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and malfunctions of endocrine glands
acromegaly vs gigantism
Chronic disease characterized by abnormal enlargement of extremities caused by excessive excretions of growth hormone after puberty
abnormal growth of entire body caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone BEFORE puberty
Hashimoto’s disease
Autoimmune disease causes body’s antibodies to attack and destroy thyroid gland cells, often leads to hyperthyroidism
Graves’ disease
unknown cause, immune system attacks thyroid gland and stimulates excessive amounts of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism)
diabetes mellitus
group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia that is due to defects in insulin secretion or action or both
thyroid storm
rare but life threatening condition caused by exaggerated hyperthyroidism, causes fever, chest pain, disorientation
hypercalcemia
abnormally high levels of calcium circulating in blood instead of stored in bones, can lead to kidney stones
effects of abnormal blood sugar levels
Polyphagia, hypoglycemia-low blood sugar, hyperglycemia
type 1 vs type 2 diabetes
Deficiency of insulin, excessive thirst, hunger, urination, weight loss, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, slow healing
Insulin resistance
gestational diabetes
Occurs during some pregnancies then usually disappears after delivery
diabetic coma vs insulin shock
Caused by high blood sugar, treated with insulin
caused by very low blood sugar; treated with oral glucose to quickly raise blood sugar level
complications that can occur from diabetes
heart disease, diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, slow wound healing
hemoglobin A1c vs fructosamine tests
Blood test measures average blood glucose levels over previous 3-4 months
measures average glucose levels over previous 3 weeks and detects changes more rapidly
Cushing’s syndrome
prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol (corticosteroid) causes moon face
