Disorders of the Thyroid Gland

These flashcards contain key vocabulary terms related to disorders of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, alongside definitions to enhance understanding of the subject.

Thyroid Gland

A gland that regulates metabolism and releases hormones such as T3 and T4.

T3

Triiodothyronine, an active hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism.

T4

Thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that also regulates metabolism.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones, leading to increased metabolism.

Hypothyroidism

A condition marked by insufficient thyroid hormone production, resulting in a decreased metabolic rate.

Grave's Disease

An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland and protruding eyes.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

An autoimmune condition that leads to hypothyroidism due to the destruction of thyroid tissue.

Calcitonin

A hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that regulates calcium levels in the blood.

Thyroid Storm

A life-threatening condition of extreme hyperthyroidism with elevated body temperature and increased heart rate.

Myxedema Coma

A severe form of hypothyroidism that leads to life-threatening metabolic slowdown.

Chovstek’s Sign

A sign of hypocalcemia where tapping the facial nerve causes twitching.

Trousseau’s Sign

A sign of hypocalcemia triggered by inflating a blood pressure cuff to cause finger spasms.

Diaphoresis

Excessive sweating often associated with hyperthyroidism.

Exophthalmos

Protrusion of the eyes, commonly associated with Grave's Disease.

Thyroxine Replacement Therapy

Treatment for hypothyroidism involving the administration of levothyroxine.

Hypocalcemia

A condition characterized by abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood.

Hypercalcemia

A condition marked by elevated levels of calcium in the blood.

Autoimmune Disorder

A disorder arising from an inappropriate immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body.

Metabolic Rate

The rate at which the body uses energy or expends calories.

Bone Demineralization

The loss of minerals from bone often seen in conditions like hyperparathyroidism.

Anemia

A condition in which there is a deficiency of red cells or hemoglobin in the blood, causing fatigue and weakness.