Endocrinology Vocabulary Flashcards
Hormone
Chemical substance released by a gland that controls or affects processes in other glands or body systems
Endocrine Gland
Gland that secretes chemical substances directly into the blood; also called a ductless gland. Effects tend to be localized.
Exocrine Gland
Gland that secrets chemical substances to nearby tissue through ha duct; also called a ducted gland. Effects tend to be wide spread.
Metabolism
The sum of cellular processes that produce the energy and molecules needed for growth and repair.
Diabetes Mellitus
Disorder of inadequate insulin activity, due either to inadequate production of insulin or to decreased responsiveness of body cells to insulin.
Anabolism
The constructive or “building up” phase of metabolism
Catabolism
The destructive or “breaking down” phase of metabolism
Ketone Bodies
Compounds produced during the catabolism of fatty acids, including acetoacetic acid, B-hydroxybutyric,and acetone.
Ketosis
The presence of significant quantities of ketone bodies in the blood.
Osmotic Diuresis
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.
Diuresis
Formation of secretion of large amounts of urine.
Glycosuria
Glucose in urine, which occurs when blood levels exceed the kidney’s ability to reabsorb glucose.
Hyperglycermic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma
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.
Hypoglycemic Seizure
Seizure that occurs when brain cells are not functioning normally due to low blood glucose.
Hyperthyroidism
Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones resulting in an increased metabolic rate.
Thyrotoxicosis
Condition that reflects prolonged exposure to excess thyroid hormones with resultant changes in body structures and function.
Hypothyroidism
Inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones resulting in a decreased metabolic rate.
Myxedema
Condition that reflects long-term exposure to inadequate levels of thyroid hormones with resultant changes in body structure and function.
Grabes’ disease
Endocrine disorder characterized by excess thyroid hormones resulting in body changes associated with increased metabolism; primary cause of thyrotoxicosis.
Thyrotoxic Crisis
Toxic condition characterized by hyperthermia, tachycardia, nervous symptoms, and rapid metabolism; also known as thyroid storm.
Myxedema Coma
Life-threatening condition associated with advanced myxedema, with profound hypothermia, bradycardia, and electrolyte imbalance.
Cushing’s syndrome
Pathological condition resulting from excess adrenocortical hormones. Symptoms may include changed body habits, hypertension, and vulnerability to infection.
Addison’s Disease
Endocrine disorder characterized by adrenocortical insufficiency. Symptoms may include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and hyper pigmentation of skin and mucous membranes.
Addisonian Crisis
Form o shock associated with adrenocortical insufficiency and characterized by profound hypotension and electrolyte imbalance.
