The Endocrine System: Basic Glossary of Terms for Healthcare Interpreters

Flashcards for vocabulary related to the endocrine system.

A1C test

Also called hemoglobin A1C, this is a blood test to look at the average amount of glucose in the blood over the past three months.

Acidosis

A condition marked by excessive amounts of acid in the body fluids, which is a result of a pH imbalance that cannot be controlled by the lungs or kidneys.

Acromegaly

An overgrowth of the bones in the feet, hands, and face as a result of excess production of the growth hormone from the pituitary gland.

Addison’s disease

This condition is marked by excessive fatigue, weight loss, weakness, and abdominal pain; it is the result of underactive adrenal glands.

Adrenal cortex

The adrenals are small, pea-sized glands on top of each kidney; they are responsible for producing the hormone that regulates metabolism.

Androgens

A sex steroid hormone found mostly in men, produced by the testes, but can be found in the ovaries of women as well; production is stimulated by the pituitary or adrenal glands.

Andropause

Similar to menopause in women, this condition happens in middle-aged men as a result of declining testosterone levels; symptoms include fatigue and decreased libido.

Calcitonin

A natural hormone in the body that decreases calcium levels in the blood.

Cortisol

Another term for hydrocortisone, this is the stress hormone and is produced by the adrenal cortex. It is responsible for homeostasis and regulates the body’s response to fear or stress.

Cretinism

Developmental delays and severely stunted growth as a result of a poorly functioning thyroid gland.

Cushing syndrome

An endocrine disorder caused by excess cortisol production and marked by symptoms of bruising, hypertension, thin skin, weakness, weight gain, puffy face, and osteoporosis.

Diabetes mellitus

A complement of diseases that affects blood sugar levels and how the body uses glucose; it is marked by high levels of glucose, or sugar, in the blood.

Dwarfism

A genetic or endocrine disorder marked by short stature.

Endocrinopathy

Commonly used to describe a hormone problem or imbalance. It means disease of an endocrine gland.

Epinephrine

Also known as adrenaline, this is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

Estrogen

The primary sex hormone in females.

Exophthalmos

Abnormal and excessive eyeball protrusion, or bulging eyes.

Fasting blood sugar

A blood test taken before eating in the morning to determine glucose levels in the blood.

Glycemia

The presence of glucose in the blood.

Goiter

Enlargement of the thyroid gland resulting in severe neck swelling.

Gonads

The reproductive glands such as ovaries or testes that produce sex hormones.

Graves’ disease

A condition marked by an overactive thyroid gland leading to symptoms of protruding eyes and neck swelling.

Gynecomastia

Breast enlargement in men, which is usually due to a hormone imbalance.

Homeostasis

Internal physiological stability, which happens as a result of the body’s various systems coordinating with each other to react to stimuli.

Hormone

A chemical produced by the body, which regulates organs and activities within the body.

Hot flashes

A sudden onset of feeling warm or flushed, especially in the face, chest, and neck.

Hyperglycemia

An excess amount of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. It is the opposite of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels.

Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid gland, which excretes excess amounts of thyroid hormones causing symptoms like rapid heartbeat and increased metabolism.

Hypopituitarism

Underactivity of the pituitary gland, leading to premature aging and short stature.

Insulin

A hormone released by the pancreas, which regulates the blood glucose levels.

Ketoacidosis

Also called diabetic ketoacidosis, this is a serious complication of diabetes, which produces extremely high levels of ketones, or blood acids, in the body.

Ketosis

A metabolic process marked by increased levels of ketone bodies in the blood, which means there is not enough glucose in the body.

Metabolism

The chemical breakdown of substances in the body to produce energy in the cells so the body’s various organs and systems can function properly.

Metformin

An oral medication given to type 2 diabetics, which helps control blood glucose levels.

Myxedema

Decreased production of hormones from the thyroid gland, leading to skin thickening and swelling.

Nodules

A small, rounded growth of tissue.

OGTT

A test to determine how quickly the body clears glucose in the blood. It is usually used to diagnose gestational diabetes.

Oxytocin

Sometimes called the love or cuddle hormone. In women, it also facilitates childbirth, breastfeeding and bonding with the baby.

Pancreas

A glandular organ in the digestive system that produces insulin.

Parathyroid glands

There are four parathyroid glands, all located in the neck, near or behind the thyroid gland, and responsible for controlling calcium levels.

Pineal gland

This gland produces melatonin, a hormone that affects the modulation of sleep-wake patterns and seasonal functions.

Pituitary gland

This tiny gland is known as the “master gland” because its hormones control other glands. Some of the major hormones produced by this gland are the growth hormone, prolactin, and oxytocin.

Placebo

A non-therapeutic medicine used in place of the real drug to produce a psychological response to determine if it benefits the patient.

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst or fluid intake, which is one of the initial symptoms of diabetes.

Radioactive Iodine

This is the therapy used for Graves’ disease or hyperthyroidism to try to slow down the production of thyroid hormones.

Steroid

Molecules, including hormones, that have several rings of carbon atoms and serve a physiological function.

Testosterone

The primary sex hormone in males.

Tetany

Decreased parathyroid gland function, leading to calcium deficiency and muscle spasms.

Thyroid

This butterfly-shaped gland is located in the front of the neck and it’s mainly responsible for controlling metabolism.

Thyroidectomy

Surgical removal of the thyroid gland, which is done because of cancer, enlargement, or hyperthyroidism.