Endocrinology Vocabulary

Question 1

Hormone

Answer 1

Chemical substance released by a gland that controls or affects processes in other glands or body systems

Question 2

Endocrine Gland

Answer 2

Gland that secretes chemical substances directly into the blood; also called a ductless gland. Effects tend to be localized.

Question 3

Exocrine Gland

Answer 3

Gland that secrets chemical substances to nearby tissue through ha duct; also called a ducted gland. Effects tend to be wide spread.

Question 4

Metabolism

Answer 4

The sum of cellular processes that produce the energy and molecules needed for growth and repair.

Question 5

Diabetes Mellitus

Answer 5

Disorder of inadequate insulin activity, due either to inadequate production of insulin or to decreased responsiveness of body cells to insulin.

Question 6

Anabolism

Answer 6

The constructive or “building up” phase of metabolism

Question 7

Catabolism

Answer 7

The destructive or “breaking down” phase of metabolism

Question 8

Ketone Bodies

Answer 8

Compounds produced during the catabolism of fatty acids, including acetoacetic acid, B-hydroxybutyric,and acetone.

Question 9

Ketosis

Answer 9

The presence of significant quantities of ketone bodies in the blood.

Question 10

Osmotic Diuresis

Answer 10

Greatly increased urination and dehydration that results when high level of glucose cannot be reabsorbed into the blood from the kidney tubules and the osmotic pressure of the glucose in the bubbles also prevents water reabsorption.

Question 11

Diuresis

Answer 11

Formation of secretion of large amounts of urine.

Question 12

Glycosuria

Answer 12

Glucose in urine, which occurs when blood levels exceed the kidney’s ability to reabsorb glucose.

Question 13

Hyperglycermic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma

Answer 13

Complication of Type II diabetes due to inadequate insulin activity. Marked by high blood glucose, marked dehydration, and decreased mental function. Often mistaken for ketoacidosis.

Question 14

Hypoglycemic Seizure

Answer 14

Seizure that occurs when brain cells are not functioning normally due to low blood glucose.

Question 15

Hyperthyroidism

Answer 15

Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones resulting in an increased metabolic rate.

Question 16

Thyrotoxicosis

Answer 16

Condition that reflects prolonged exposure to excess thyroid hormones with resultant changes in body structures and function.

Question 17

Hypothyroidism

Answer 17

Inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones resulting in a decreased metabolic rate.

Question 18

Myxedema

Answer 18

Condition that reflects long-term exposure to inadequate levels of thyroid hormones with resultant changes in body structure and function.

Question 19

Grabes’ disease

Answer 19

Endocrine disorder characterized by excess thyroid hormones resulting in body changes associated with increased metabolism; primary cause of thyrotoxicosis.

Question 20

Thyrotoxic Crisis

Answer 20

Toxic condition characterized by hyperthermia, tachycardia, nervous symptoms, and rapid metabolism; also known as thyroid storm.

Question 21

Myxedema Coma

Answer 21

Life-threatening condition associated with advanced myxedema, with profound hypothermia, bradycardia, and electrolyte imbalance.

Question 22

Cushing’s syndrome

Answer 22

Pathological condition resulting from excess adrenocortical hormones. Symptoms may include changed body habits, hypertension, and vulnerability to infection.

Question 23

Addison’s Disease

Answer 23

Endocrine disorder characterized by adrenocortical insufficiency. Symptoms may include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and hyper pigmentation of skin and mucous membranes.

Question 24

Addisonian Crisis

Answer 24

Form o shock associated with adrenocortical insufficiency and characterized by profound hypotension and electrolyte imbalance.