Pituitary Gland Disorders Flashcards
What are the two main conditions related to altered endocrine function?
Hyperfunction and Hypofunction
These terms refer to excessive or insufficient hormone production, respectively.
What is the role of the endocrine system?
Orchestrating transport of chemicals and maintaining homeostasis
The endocrine system achieves this through the release of hormones.
What are hormones?
Chemical transmitters that regulate and integrate body functions
Hormones are released by various glands in the endocrine system.
Which gland is known as the ‘master gland’?
Pituitary gland
The pituitary gland regulates other endocrine glands.
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
Responsible for the regulation of the endocrine system
It commands all the glands and maintains homeostasis.
List the major glands of the endocrine system.
- Pineal gland
- Pituitary gland
- Thyroid gland
- Parathyroid gland
- Thymus
- Adrenals
- Pancreas
- Ovaries
- Testes
Each gland has specific functions related to hormone production.
What does the term ‘hypothyroidism’ refer to?
Underactivity of the thyroid gland
It leads to decreased metabolism and other systemic effects.
What is ‘hyperparathyroidism’?
Overactivity of the parathyroid glands
This condition results in elevated calcium levels in the blood.
What is the function of the thymus gland?
Responsible for the immune system development
It plays a crucial role in producing T-cells.
Define ‘Thymic dysplasia’.
Abnormal development of the thymus gland
This condition can lead to immune deficiencies.
What hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex?
- Cortisol
- Aldosterone
These hormones are involved in stress response, metabolism, and electrolyte balance.
What is the function of insulin?
Regulates blood glucose levels
It is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas.
What are the primary hormones produced by the ovaries?
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
These hormones are essential for female reproductive health.
What is ‘Acromegaly’?
Excessive growth hormone production in adults
It leads to enlarged bones and tissues.
True or False: The pancreas is both an endocrine and exocrine gland.
True
It produces insulin and digestive enzymes.
Fill in the blank: The _______ gland releases hormones that regulate metabolism.
Thyroid
The thyroid gland produces T3 and T4 hormones.
What is the role of erythropoietin (EPO)?
Stimulates red blood cell production
EPO is produced by the kidneys.
What condition results from the hyposecretion of adrenal hormones?
Addison’s disease
This condition leads to fatigue, low blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances.
What is the role of glucagon?
Increases blood glucose levels
Glucagon is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas.
What hormone is responsible for the body’s stress response?
Cortisol
Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex.
Pineal Gland
