Unit 11 - Endocrine System Key Terms

Question 1

endocrine

Answer 1

body system that works with the nervous system and includes the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreatic islets, and gonads.

Question 2

hormone

Answer 2

the chemical secretion from an endocrine gland, a hormone changes cell functions and alters body activities.

Question 3

acromegaly

Answer 3

Excessive amounts of the growth hormone from the pituitary gland are secreted during adulthood. It causes enlargement of the bone structures, especially the hands and face.

Question 4

exophthalmos

Answer 4

An abnormal protrusion of the eyes, it is a symptom of excessive activity of the thyroid gland.

Question 5

goiter

Answer 5

A nonconstructed term. An abnormal swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by a tumor, lack of iodine in the diet, or an infection of the gland.

Question 6

ketosis

Answer 6

A high level of ketone bodies in the blood and urine. It is the result of starvation, low-carb diets (where muscle and fat is being burned for fuel instead of carbohydrates), and of some forms of diabetes.

Question 7

polydipsia

Answer 7

An abnormal state of excessive thirst, it sometimes accompanies disorders of the pituitary gland or pancreas.

Question 8

adenosis

Answer 8

general term for any disease of a gland

Question 9

cretinism

Answer 9

May result when the thyroid gland does not produce normal levels of growth hormones at birth. It results in reduced mental development and physical growth.

Question 10

Diabetes Insipidus

Answer 10

Results from the under-secretion of ADH… antidiuretic hormone. Symptoms include excessive thirst and excessive urination.

Question 11

Diabetes Mellitus

Answer 11

The pancreas does not produce enough insulin to metabolize carbohydrates, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Left unmanaged, it may result in kidney, nerve, or eye damage or even death.

Question 12

Hyperadrenalism

Answer 12

The adrenal cortex produces too much of the hormone cortisol causing Cushing Syndrome. It is characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, a round face, and muscle weakness.

Question 13

Hypercalcemia

Answer 13

The parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This causes the bones to release calcium into the bloodstream, and softening of the bones can result.

Question 14

Hypoglycemia

Answer 14

This is the opposite of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. There is too much insulin production and blood sugar levels are too low.

Question 15

Hyperthyroidism

Answer 15

When the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, it may result in exophthalmos (bulging eyes), goiter, rapid heart rate, and weight loss. One chronic form of this is Graves Disease.

Question 16

Hypothyroidism

Answer 16

When thyroid gland activity is deficient, it results in slow heart rate, dry skin, low energy, and weight gain. A chronic form of this disease is called myxedema .

Question 17

Pancreatitis

Answer 17

This is a reaction to infection or trauma, and can be life threatening. The pancreas becomes inflamed and this results in the deficient production of insulin and possibly hyperglycemia.

Question 18

Pituitary Dwarfism

Answer 18

The pituitary growth hormone is deficient at birth, resulting in short stature.

Question 19

Pituitary Gigantism

Answer 19

The pituitary growth hormone is abnormally high sometime before adolescence. During adulthood it results in acromegaly.

Question 20

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)

Answer 20

When blood sugar levels are measured after a 12 hour fast, it is called a FBS. Non-fasting measurements can be self- administered with a glucose meter.

Question 21

Hypothalamus

Answer 21

it’s hormones keep the body stable. They influence sleep rhythms, alertness, appetite, body weight, thirst, blood pressure, heart rate, sex drive, learning, memory, mood and how the body responds to being sick.

Question 22

Pituitary Gland

Answer 22

secretes hormones that control blood pressure, blood sugar levels, response to stress, menstruation, sperm production, bone growth, muscle mass, contractions during childbirth, making breastmilk and bonding between mother and baby

Question 23

Pineal Gland

Answer 23

secretes melatonin to help with the sleep cycle

Question 24

Thyroid Gland

Answer 24

secretes hormones that influence metabolism, bone growth, energy levels, body temperature, how the cells use oxygen, heart rate, blood flow, calcium levels, vitamin metabolism, brain development in babies and children, and reproduction

Question 25

Parathyroid Glands

Answer 25

regulates calcuim levels in the blood

Question 26

Adrenal Glands

Answer 26

controls the stress response and blood pressure/salt and water control, blood sugar levels, energy, development of sex organs, heart rate, attention, inflammation, development of the fetus

Question 27

Pancreas

Answer 27

controls the blood sugar level

Question 28

Ovaries (females only)

Answer 28

2 glands found on each side of the uterus in the pelvis. Controls female characteristics, storing and releasing eggs.

Question 29

Testes (males only)

Answer 29

2 glands in the scrotum, behind the penis. Controls male characteristics, sperm production.