L20, 21, 26 + 27: Endocrine System Flashcards
(166 cards)
What is endocrine pseudohypofunction?
- appears to be decreased function of endocrine gland
- but really, the target organ receptors are not functioning
In which part of the skull does the pituitary gland sit in?
sella turcica (in middle cranial fossa)
What are the 2 parts of the pituitary gland?
- Anterior Pituitary
2. Posterior Pituitary
What is another name for the anterior pituitary gland?
adenohypophysis
What is another name for the posterior pituitary gland?
neurohypophysis
What is the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland derived from?
Rathke’s Pouch - composed of endocrine cells
What is the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland derived from?
the 3rd ventricle - composed of neural cells
List the 3 cell types of the anterior pituitary gland
- Acidophils
- Chromophobes
- Basophils
List the 7 hormones that the anterior pituitary gland releases
- Growth Hormone
- Prolactin
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone
- Leuteinising Hormone
- Adenocorticotrophic Hormone
- Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone
List 2 causes of hyperpituitarism and state which one is the most common pathology
- Functioning Adenoma - most common
2. Carcinoma
What is a functional adenoma vs. a non-functional adenoma?
Functional = pituitary adenoma having hormonal effects
Non-Functional = pituitary adenoma not having any hormonal effects
What is the most common functional adenoma of the pituitary gland?
Prolactinoma
List the top 5 most common functional adenomas of the pituitary gland (from most common to least)
- Prolactinoma
- Somatotrophic Adenoma
- Adenocorticotrophic Adenoma
- Gonadotrophic Adenoma
- Thyrotrophic Adenoma
What is a microadenoma of the pituitary gland?
pituitary adenoma less than 1 cm
Which is a macroadenoma of the pituitary gland?
pituitary adenoma greater than 1 cm
Functional pituitary adenoma symptoms are dependent on the hormone being overproduced.
There also may be “space effect” symptoms - list some of these symptoms
- Bitemporal Hemianopia (due to optical chiasm pressure)
- Hormone Deficiency (due to increased size of adenoma)
What is the presentation of a prolactinoma in males?
Hyperprolactinaemia
- asymptomatic
- low libido
- impotence
What is the presentation of a prolactinaemia in females?
Hyperprolactinaemia
- amenorrhea
- sterility/infertility
- galactorrhoea
How can brain stalk/stem compression lead to increased prolactin?
- dopamine normally released from hypothalamus (has inhibitory effects)
- stalk compression = decreased dopamine
- increase in prolactin secreted
How can prolactinomas be treated?
Dopamine Agonist (Bromocriptine) Surgery
What is the drug, bromocriptine, used for?
dopamine agonist
used for prolactinomas
If a somatotrophic adenoma occurs before puberty, how would the patient present?
Giantism
If a somatotrophic adenoma occurs after puberty, how would the patient present?
Acromegaly
List some of the characteristics/clinical presentation of acromegaly due to increased growth hormone
- prognathism
- brow protrusion
- broad nose
- large hands and feet
- enlarged tongue
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- joint pain
- deafness
- glycosuria/diabetes