Principles of Endocrinology

Question 1

What is the 3 tier hierarchal system found in endocrinology and which tier is tertiary, secondary and primary?

Answer 1

Tertiary – hypothalamus
Secondary – pituitary
Primary – secretory gland

Question 2

Pituitary gland:

What type of signalling does the anterior pituitary use?

What type of signalling does the posterior pituitary use?

What hormones are released from the anterior pituitary? - 6

What hormones are released from the posterior pituitary? - 2

Answer 2

Vascular signalling - Anterior

Neural signalling - Posterior

Prolactin 
Growth hormone 
FSH and LH
ACTH 
TSH 

Oxytocin
ADH

Many neural and vascular connections so need to keep compression in mind in terms of pituitary tumours

Question 3

What type rhythm does the GH axis have?

Answer 3

Cyclical - menstrual period

Pulsatile

Question 4

What does dynamic testing mean?

Answer 4

If you think a hormone is lacking, try to stimulate it
e.g. short synacthen (tetracosactide) test for adrenal insufficiency

If you think a hormone is being produced in excess, try to suppress it
e.g. overnight dexamethasone suppression test for Cushing’s disease

Question 5

Do a quiz for the different hormone axis in endocrinology!

Answer 5

Do a quiz for the different hormone axis in endocrinology!