Medical Terminology Related to the Endocrine System

Question 1

Acromegaly

Answer 1

Overgrowth of bone and soft tissue, especially in the hands, feet, and face, caused by excess growth hormone in an adult. The name comes from acro meaning extremity and megal/o meaning abnormal enlargement.

Question 2

Cushing’s syndrome

Answer 2

An excess of cortisol, caused either by an overactive adrenal gland or glucocorticoid medications; symptoms may include excess fatty tissue of the face, neck, and body; weight gain; curvature of spine; and muscle weakness.

Question 3

Endocrinologist

Answer 3

A physician who specializes in diseases of the endocrine system.

Question 4

Euthyroid

Answer 4

Normal thyroid gland activity.

Question 5

Glandular

Answer 5

Pertaining to a gland.

Question 6

Goiter

Answer 6

An enlarged thyroid gland, caused by Iodine deficiency, the overproduction of thyroid hormone (TSH), or a neoplasm. A diet deficient in iodine can result in a goiter; however, this is rarely the cause.

Question 7

Hyperkalemia

Answer 7

Excessive amounts of potassium in the blood.

Question 8

Hyperaldosteronism

Answer 8

Oversecretion of aldosterone by the adrenal glands; results in fluid retention and hypertension.

Question 9

Hyperparathyroidism

Answer 9

Overactive parathyroid; may result in bone deterioration, reduced renal function, kidney stones, and other difficulties.

Question 10

Hyperthyroidism

Answer 10

Excessive secretion by the thyroid gland.

Question 11

Hypoparathyroidism

Answer 11

Underactive parathyroid; may result in muscle cramps and cataracts, among other difficulties.

Question 12

Hypothyroidism

Answer 12

Underactive thyroid; too little thyroid hormone produced (the opposite of hyperthyroidism); may result in children with intellectual disability and small stature. In adults, this condition results in lower metabolism, fatigue, and fluid in the tissues (myxedema).

Question 13

Insulin

Answer 13

Hormone secreted by the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas, which regulates energy and glucose metabolism. Also used in the management of diabetes.

Question 14

Panhypopituitarism

Answer 14

Inadequate or absent production of the anterior pituitary hormones, which is caused by damage to or absence of pituitary gland. This may result in impaired sexual function, weight loss, fatigue, depression, and other symptoms.

Question 15

Parathyroid

Answer 15

Glands located behind the thyroid gland.

Question 16

Prolactinoma

Answer 16

A benign tumor of the pituitary gland with excess production of a hormone called prolactin. In women, high blood levels of prolactin can result in infertility and changes in menstruation. In men, the most common symptom of prolactinoma is impotence.

Question 17

Thyroiditis

Answer 17

Inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Question 18

Thyrotoxicosis

Answer 18

Condition resulting from overactivity of the thyroid gland. Symptoms include anxiety, irritability, weight loss, and sweating. The main example of thyrotoxicosis is Graves’ disease.

Question 19

Thymitis

Answer 19

Inflammation of the thymus gland.