Endocrine System Disorders Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on hormones, major glands, negative feedback mechanisms, and clinical conditions associated with the endocrine system.

Steroids

Hormones classified chemically as lipids.

Non-steroids

Hormones classified chemically as proteins or protein derivatives.

Growth hormone (GH, somatotropin)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates protein synthesis.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete primarily cortisol.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates ovarian follicle growth and estrogen secretion in women, and sperm production in men.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates ovum maturation and ovulation in women, and testosterone secretion in men.

Prolactin (PRL)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates breast milk production during lactation.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH, or vasopressin)

A posterior pituitary hormone that increases reabsorption of water in the kidney.

Oxytocin (OT)

A posterior pituitary hormone that stimulates uterine contractions after delivery and breast milk ejection during lactation.

Insulin

A hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans that lowers blood glucose levels and transports glucose into cells.

Glucagon

A hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets that stimulates glycogenolysis in the liver to increase blood glucose levels.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

A hormone secreted by the parathyroid gland that increases blood calcium levels by stimulating bone demineralization and increasing absorption of $Ca^{++}$ in the digestive tract and kidneys.

Calcitonin

A thyroid hormone that decreases the release of calcium from bone to lower blood calcium levels.

Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3)

Hormones secreted by the thyroid gland that increase the metabolic rate in all cells.

Aldosterone

An adrenal cortex hormone that increases sodium and water reabsorption in the kidney.

Cortisol

An adrenal cortex hormone that exerts anti-inflammatory effects, decreases immune response, and acts in tissue catabolism and the stress response.

Epinephrine

An adrenal medulla hormone that causes visceral and cutaneous vasoconstriction, skeletal muscle vasodilation, increased heart contraction rate and force, and bronchodilation during stress response.

Norepinephrine

An adrenal medulla hormone that causes general vasoconstriction as part of the stress response.

Adenoma

A benign tumor that is the most common cause of endocrine disorders leading to hyperfunction or hypofunction.

Hormone resistance

A condition in which target cells fail to respond to a hormone, resulting in pseudo-hypofunction.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

A form of diabetes mellitus characterized by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, requiring insulin replacement, and having an acute onset in children and adolescents.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

A non-insulin-dependent form of diabetes mellitus caused by decreased insulin production and/or increased cellular resistance to insulin, usually onset in individuals older than 50 years.

Glucosuria

The presence of excess glucose spilling over into the urine.

Polyuria

Excessive urine output caused by glucose exerting osmotic pressure in the kidney filtrate.

Polyphagia

Stimulated appetite resulting from a lack of nutrient transport into cells.

Ketonuria

The excretion of ketones or ketoacids in the urine resulting from fat catabolism.

Hypoglycemia (Insulin Shock)

An acute complication of diabetes mellitus characterized by low blood glucose levels, disorientation, anxiety, tachycardia, and hypotension.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

An acute complication of Type 1 diabetes caused by severe insulin deficiency, leading to hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, Kussmaul's respirations, and acetone breath.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Coma (HHNK)

An acute Type 2 diabetes complication characterized by hyperglycemia, severe dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances without significant ketoacidosis.

Microangiopathy

A chronic diabetic vascular complication involving obstruction or rupture of small capillaries and arteries, leading to retinopathy and chronic renal failure.

Macroangiopathy

A chronic diabetic vascular complication affecting large arteries due to abnormal lipid levels, leading to high rates of myocardial infarctions, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease.

Peripheral Neuropathy

A chronic diabetic complication caused by ischemia to peripheral nerves and altered metabolic processes, manifesting as impaired sensation, numbness, tingling, and muscle wasting.

Hypoparathyroidism

A deficit in parathyroid hormone causing hypocalcemia, weak cardiac muscle contractions, and spontaneous skeletal muscle contractions.

Hyperparathyroidism

An excess of parathyroid hormone resulting in hypercalcemia, forceful cardiac contractions, osteoporosis, and a predisposition to kidney stones.

Dwarfism

A growth disorder resulting from a deficit in growth hormone ($GH$) production and release.

Gigantism

A growth disorder caused by excess growth hormone ($GH$) secretion prior to puberty and epiphysis fusion.

Acromegaly

A disorder caused by excess growth hormone ($GH$) secretion in adults, resulting in broader bones and enlarged soft tissues.

Diabetes Insipidus (DI)

A disorder caused by a deficit of antidiuretic hormone ($ADH$), requiring replacement therapy.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)

A disorder caused by excess antidiuretic hormone ($ADH$), managed with diuretics and sodium supplements.

Myxedema coma

An acute, life-threatening complication of severe untreated hypothyroidism leading to acute hypotension, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and loss of consciousness.

Pheochromocytoma

A benign tumor of the adrenal medulla that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine, causing headaches, palpitations, sweating, and anxiety.

Cushing's Syndrome

An adrenal cortex disorder caused by excessive levels of glucocorticoids, characterized by a round face, truncal obesity, thin limbs, and fragile skin.

Addison's Disease

An adrenal cortex disorder characterized by a deficit of corticosteroids, leading to hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hypotension, weight loss, and hyperpigmentation.