The endocrine system

What is a hormone?

A chemical messenger

How many types of hormones are there?

50

What do hormones do in your body?

Reproduction, metabolism and energy balance, growth and development, body defences, homeostasis

What is a hormonal cascade?

hormones that are set off by other hormones

Where are hormones secreted into?

the blood

What is a gland?

any structure that makes and secretes a hormone

Which is the main gland in the body?

pituitary gland

What does the pituitary gland do?

signals other glands to make and secrete their own hormones

Name 4 glands the pituitary gland stimulates

thyroid, peri-thyroid, adrenal, pineal

Can a hormone trigger a reaction in all cells?

no

What is the name of cells a hormone can work on?

a target cell

What type of cells in the pancreas release insulin?

beta cells

What type of cells in the pancreas release glucagon?

Alpha cells

What is graves’ disease?

an immune system disorder that results in hyperthyroidism

What can the symptoms of hyperthyroidism be?

insomnia, weight loss, excessive sweating, heart palpitations, anxiety

What is adrenal crisis?

the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol

What are the risk factors of addison’s disease?

autoimmune diseases, trauma, adrenal tumours, anticoagulants, TB, HIV, fungal infections, female, 30 - 50 years old

What are the risk factors for steroid induced adrenal crisis?

Prolonged use of corticosteroids, polypharmacy, removal of steroid therapy without guidance

Where are the adrenal glands located?

on top of the kidneys

How many layers is the cortex of the adrenal glands divided up into?

3

What is the outer layer of the cortex of the adrenal glands called?

Zona Glomerulosa

What is the middle layer of the cortex of the adrenal glands called?

Zona Fasciculata

What is the inner layer of the cortex of the adrenal glands called?

Zona reticularis

What does the outer layer of the cortex of the adrenal gland produce?

aldosterone

What does the middle layer of the cortex of the adrenal gland produce?

cortisol

What does the inner layer of the cortex of the adrenal gland produce?

testosterone

What can cause secondary adrenal insufficiency?

a problem with the pituitary gland

What are the symptoms of aldosterone insufficiency?

Hyperkalaemia, Hyponatremia, dehydration, hypovolaemia, salt craving, nausea, stomach pain

What are the symptoms of a cortisol insufficiency?

muscle weakness, lethargy, unable to maintain activity, hyperpigmentation of skin, low blood sugar levels