Investigating the endocrine system

Question 1

In primary thyroid disease, what is damaged?

Answer 1

the thyroid gland

Question 2

In secondary thyroid disease, what is damaged?

Answer 2

The pituitary gland

Question 3

What is primary and secondary disorders of the thyroid treated with?

Answer 3

Thyroxine

Question 4

When are levels of growth hormone raised?

Answer 4

Stress

Sleep

Question 5

What hormones are released from the anterior pituitary? (6)

Answer 5

Growth hormone
Prolactine
FSH
LH
ACTH
TSH

Question 6

What hormones are released from the posterior pituitary? (2)

Answer 6

Oxytocin

ADH

Question 7

FSH stimulates which structures in the body?

Answer 7

Sertoli cells
Seminiferous tubules
Sperm maturation

Question 8

LH stimulates which structures in the body?

Answer 8

Leydig cells

Question 9

What does low T4 and low TSH signify?

Answer 9

Pituitary failure

Question 10

What does low T4 and high THS signify?

Answer 10

unresponsive thyroid

Question 11

What does high T4 and low TSH signify?

Answer 11

Thyroid gland overproduction

Question 12

What does high T4 and high TSH signify?

Answer 12

Pituitary gland overproduction

Feedback failure

Question 13

What are the principles of dynamic investigation and why is it used?

Answer 13

Used to identify if there is a problem with the pituitary/gland
Can either be:
Excess production - can you suppress it?
Insufficent production - can it be stimulated?

Question 14

Describe the diurnal rhythm in serum cortisol throughout the day

Answer 14

Peaks in the mornings
Lowest at midnight
If at same level throughout the whole day = abnormal

Question 15

At what two ages in a boys life does testosterone peak?

Answer 15

Infancy - around 4-6 months

After puberty

Question 16

When and why do we examine urine?

Answer 16

Can collect at the time of symptoms
Multiple hormones in the body
Shows fluctuation is single serum hormones

Question 17

What is sick euthyroid syndrome?

Answer 17

Low T3 and L4 syndrome
Thyroid gland appears to be normal
Often seen in:
Starvation
Critical illness
ICU patients