Vocabulary Flashcards
Addisonian Crisis
Acute adrenal insufficiency
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
The hormone that targets the adrenal cortex to excrete cortisol
Aldosterone
A hormone that stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb sodium from the urine and excrete potassium by altering the osmotic gradient in the blood
Adrogens
Male sex hormones that regulate body changes associated with sexual development, including growth spurts, deepening of the voice, growth of facial hair and pubic hair, and muscle growth and strength
Antidiuretic Hormone
(Vasopressin)
A hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary lobe that constricts the blood vessels and raises the blood pressure
Calcitonin
The hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that helps maintain normal calcium levels in the blood
Corticosteroids
Hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism, the balance of salt and water in the body, the immune system, and sexual function
Cortisol
The hormone that stimulates most body cells to increase energy production
Cushing Syndrome
A condition caused by excess cortisol production by the adrenal glands or by excessive use of cortisol or other similar corticosteroid hormones
Diabetes
A group of complex metabolic disorders with many causes
Diabetes Insipidus
A disorder that has some of the same characteristics as diabetes but the body is unable to regulate fluid due to a lack of antidiuretic hormone and/or the kidneys are unable to respond appropriately
Diabetes Mellitus
A disease characterized by the body’s inability to to sufficiently metabolize glucose. Either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
A form of acidosis in the form of uncontrolled diabetes in which acid accumulates when insulin is not available
Diuresis
The production of large amounts of urine by the kidneys
Dyslipidemia
An excessive level of lipids circulating in the blood, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease
Epinephrine
A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla that plays a vital role in the function of the sympathetic nervous system
Estrogen
One of the three major female hormones that brings about the secondary sex characteristics
Exophthalmos
Protrusion of the eyes from the normal position within the socket
Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy
Glucagon
A hormone produced by the pancreas that is vital to the control of the body’s metabolism and blood glucose level; stimulates the breakdown of glycogen and glucose
Glycosuria
The passage of large quantities of urine containing glucose
Goiter
A visible part of the anterior of the neck caused by enlargement of the thyroid gland