The Endocrine System : Key Terms

Question 1

endocrine

Answer 1

pertaining to a ductless gland that secretes hormones into the blood

Question 2

hormone

Answer 2

a secretion of an endocrine gland. A substance that travels in the blood and has regulatory effect on tissues , organs, or glands

Question 3

hypophysis

Answer 3

the pituitary gland; named from hypo, meaning “below” , physis : “growing”. The gland develops below the hypothalamus

Question 4

hypothalamus

Answer 4

a portion of the brain that controls the pituitary gland and is active in maintaining homeostasis

Question 5

pancreatic duct

Answer 5

cluster of endocrine cells in the pancreas that secretes hormones to regulate glucose metabolism; also called islet of Langerhans or islet cells

Question 6

parathyroid gland

Answer 6

a small endocrine gland on the posterior thyroid that acts to increase blood calcium levels ; there are usually 4-6 parathyroid glands

Question 7

pineal gland

Answer 7

a small gland in the brain. Appears to regulate mood, daily rhythms, and sexual development in response to environmental light. Secretes hormone melatonin.

Question 8

pituitary gland

Answer 8

a small endocrine gland at the base of the brain. The anterior lobe secretes growth hormone and hormones that stimulate other glands; the posterior lobe releases ADH and oxytocin manufactured in the hypothalamus

Question 9

prostaglandins

Answer 9

a group of hormones produced throughout the body that have a variety of affects , including stimulation of uterine contractions and regulating of blood pressure, blood clotting, and inflammation.

Question 10

receptor

Answer 10

a site on the cell membrane or within the cell to which a substance, such as a hormone, attaches

Question 11

steroid hormone

Answer 11

a hormone made from lipids and including the sex hormones and the hormones of the adrenal cortex

Question 12

target tissue

Answer 12

the specific tissue on which a hormone acts, may also be called the target organ

Question 13

thyroid gland

Answer 13

an endocrine gland on either side of the larynx and upper trachea. It secretes hormones that affect metabolism and growth

Question 14

adrenal gland

Answer 14

a gland on the superior surface of the kidney. The outer region (cortex) secretes hormones; the inner region (medulla) secretes epinephrine (adrenaline) in response to stress

Question 15

acromegaly

Answer 15

overgrowth of bone and soft tissue, especially in the hands, feet, and face, caused by excess growth hormone in an adult. Acro: “extremity”; megal/o: “enlargement”

Question 16

Addison disease

Answer 16

a disease resulting from deficiency of adrenocortical hormones. It is marked by darkening of the skin, weakness, and alterations in salt and water balance.

Question 17

adenoma

Answer 17

a neoplasm of a gland

Question 18

adult hypothyroidism

Answer 18

a condition caused by hypothyroidism in an adult. There is dry, waxy swelling, most notable in the face; formerly called myxedema

Question 19

Cushing disease

Answer 19

overactivity of the adrenal cortex resulting from excess production of ACTH by the pituitary

Question 20

Cushing syndrome

Answer 20

a condition resulting from an excess of hormones from the adrenal cortex. It is associated with obesity, weakness, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hirsutism (excess hair growth)

Question 21

diabetes insipidus

Answer 21

a disorder caused by insufficient release of ADH from the posterior pituitary. It results in excessive thirst and production of large amounts of very dilute urine. Insipidus : “tasteless”, referring to the dilution of the urine

Question 22

DM

Answer 22

Diabetes Mellitus: a disorder of glucose metabolism caused by deficiency of insulin production or inadequate tissue response to insulin. Type 1 results from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic islet cells; it generally appears in children and requires insulin administration. Type 2 generally occurs in obese adults; it is treated with diet, exercise, and drugs to improve insulin production or activity, and sometimes insulin. mellitus: honey - referring to urine’s sugar content

Question 23

exophthalmos

Answer 23

protrusion of the eyeballs, as seen in Graves disease

Question 24

gigantism

Answer 24

overgrowth caused by excess growth hormone form the pituitary during childhood, also called gigantism

Question 25

glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test

Answer 25

a test that measures the binding of glucose to hemoglobin during the lifespan of a red blood cell. It reflects the average blood glucose level over 2-3 months and is useful in evaluating long term therapy for DM. Aka A1c test.

Question 26

glycosuria

Answer 26

excess sugar in the urine

Question 27

goiter

Answer 27

enlargement of the thyroid gland. May be toxic or nontoxic. Simple (nontoxic) goiter is caused by iodine deficiency

Question 28

Graves disease

Answer 28

an autoimmune disease resulting in hyperthyroidism. A prominent sx is exophthalmos. Aka diffuse toxic goiter

Question 29

hyperglycemia

Answer 29

excess glucose in the blood

Question 30

hypoglycemia

Answer 30

abnormally low level of glucose in the blood

Question 31

infantile hypothyroidism

Answer 31

a condition caused by congenital lack of thyroid secretion and marked by arrested physical and mental development; also called congenital hypothyroidism

Question 32

insulin shock

Answer 32

a condition resulting from an overdose of insulin, causing hypoglycemia

Question 33

ketoacidosis

Answer 33

acidosis (increased acidity of body fluids) caused by excess ketone bodies , as in DM; diabetic acidosis

Question 34

metabolic syndrome

Answer 34

a state of hyperglycemia caused by cellular resistance to insulin, as seen in type 2 DM, in association with other metabolic disorders; also called syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome

Question 35

panhypopituitarism

Answer 35

underactivity of the entire pituitary gland

Question 36

tetany

Answer 36

irritability and spasms of muscles; may be caused by low blood calcium and other factors