THYROID DISORDERS Flashcards
What connects the two lobes of the thyroid?
Isthmus
What 3 hormones are secreted by the thyroid gland?
T3, T4, and calcitonin
What are 3 components of thyroid gland follicles?
- Follicular cells (T thyrocytes)
- Colloid
- Parafollicular cells (C thyrocytes)
What is the site of thyroid hormone synthesis and storage?
Colloid within thyroid follicles
What are 2 components that are synthesized to form thyroid hormones?
Iodide ions, thyroglobulin
What is the full name of T4?
Thyroxin
What is the full name of T4?
Thyroxine
What is the full name of T3?
Triiodothyronine
What are 2 differences between T3 and T4 in regards to secretion and potency?
- T4 accounts for 90% of thyroid secretions
- T3 is much more potent than T4
What is the site of calcitonin secretion?
Parafollicular cells
What are the 5 steps of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis?
- Hypothalamus secretes TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone)
- TRH stimulates anterior pituitary to secrete TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
- TSH causes thyroid to secrete T3 and T4
- T3 inhibits the anterior pituitary
- T4 inhibits the hypothalamus
What are 3 functions of thyroid hormones?
- Increases basal metabolic rate
- Upregulates beta-adrenergic receptors (i.e. increases sensitivity to catecholamines)
- Maintains growth & development of all tissues
What is the main cause for goiter?
Hyperplasia of thyroid due to excess TSH
What is the simple definition of hypothyroidism?
Thyroid hormone deficiency
What causes the common symptoms of hypothyroidism such as lethargy, bradycardia, and weight gain?
Thyroid hormone deficiency causes:
1. Decreased basal metabolic rate
- Decreased sensitivity to catecholamines
What is the term for generalized non-pitting edema caused by prolonged hypothyroidism?
Myxedema
What causes myxedema?
Deposition of glycosaminoglycans in connective tissue, which holds in moisture
Patients with myxedema that are exposed to acute stressors have a risk of developing which life threatening condition?
Myxedema coma
Why are TSH levels used to diagnose hypothyroidism and not thyroid hormone levels?
Thyroid hormone levels may remain normal for several weeks due to compensatory mechanisms and storage within thyroid follicles
What is the term for a severe thyroid hormone deficiency present at birth?
Congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism)
What are 4 potential causes for congenital hypothyroidism?
- Maternal iodine deficiency
- Thyroid gland does not develop properly or fails to create hormone
- TSH, T3 or T4 receptor mutations
- Hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction