Unit 2.2: The Endocrine System

pineal gland

produces melatonin, targets many organs, and functions as a biological clock

pituitary gland hormones

produces FSH/LH, ADH, growth hormone, oxytocin, and prolactin,

thyroid gland

produces thyroxin, targets the liver, and controls metabolic rate

pituitary gland target organs

ovaries, kidneys, uterus, breast tissue and many other organs

pituitary gland function

menstrual cycle, osmoregulation, growth and division, birth contractions, and milk production

adrenal glands

produces adrenaline and cortisol, targets many organs, controls fight or flight and anti-stress

pancreas

produces insulin/glucagon, targets the liver, and controls blood sugar levels

ovaries

produces estrogen/progesterone, targets the uterus, and controls menstrual cycle

testes

produces testosterone, targets many organs, and produces male characteristics

blood sugar regulation

type 1 diabetes

"juvenile onset", autoimmune or genetic cause, non-functional pancreas, no insulin produced, cannot be prevented or reveresed

diabetes symptoms

thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision

type 2 diabetes

"adult onset", insulin resistance obesity or aging, partially functional pancreas, some insulin produced, can be prevented or reversed

Male Reproductive System

Female Reproductive System

Sex hormone levels throughout life

Esterogen

refers to a steroid hormone that is important in the reproductive deveopment in females

Estrogen is produced by

the growing grafian follicle

Estrogen is secreted by

ovaries prior to ovulation: also produced by the placenta during pregnancy

Estrogen secretion is regulated by

FSH

Estrogen is involved in the formation and maintenance of

secondary sex characteristics also important in bone resorption

Estrogen is involved in the enlargement of

the uterus and breasts during pregnancy

Progesterone refers to a

steroid hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy

Progesterone is produced by the

corpus luteum

Progesterone is secreted by

the ovaries after the ovulation: also produced by the placenta during pregnancy

Progesterone secretion is regulated by

LH

Progesterone is involved in the formation and maintenance of

the endometrium and uterus

Progesterone is involved in

the reduction of contractiliy of the uterus and stimulates the growth of mammary gland

Testosterone improves

the primary sex organs

Testosterone functions in

improving semen, semen production, achieving maturity of the penis and testicles

Pituitary tumor symptoms

enlargement of face, jaw, hands, and feet, weight gain, fatigue, low sperm count, blurry vision

Pituitary tumor treatment

A combination of medical therapy surgery and radiotherapy

Pituitary tumor effects of treatment

hypopituitarism, which would require permanent multiple hormone replacement therapy

Pituitary tumor prognosis

20% chance of remission after surgery to remove tumor. Will likely need hormone replacement for the rest of their life

Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) Symptoms

Weight loss, fatigue, irritability and depression

Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) treatment

Emergency medial treatment for adrenal crisis, followed by long-term medications such as corticosteroids

Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) effects of treatment

Sleep problems, changes in menstrual cycle, acne, dizziness, nausea

Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency)

should recover and be able to lead a relatively normal life, although will need to take medications indefinitely

Grave's disease (hyperthyroidism) Symptoms

Anxiety, mild fever, compression in chest, heart palpitations and tachycardia

Grave's disease (hyperthyroidism) Treatment

Radioactive iodine therapy, anti-thyroid medications, and surgeries

Grave's disease (hyperthyroidism) Prognosis

Symptoms can likely be managed with the right medications, but surgery to remove part of thyroid gland could be an option

Myasthenia gravis (due to thymic hyperlasia) Symptoms

Hoarseness of voice, nasal regurgitation of liquids, difficulty chewing, swallowing, and speaking

Myasthenia gravis (due to thymic hyperlasia) Treatment

Medication such as cholinesterase inhibitors, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants; possible surgery

Myasthenia gravis (due to thymic hyperlasia) Effects of Treatment

Diarrhea, nausea, excessive salivation

Myasthenia gravis (due to thymic hyperlasia) Prognosis

There is no cure for Myasthenia gravis, though treatments can help some of the symptoms

Hypocalcemia (hypoparahyroidism) symptoms

Muscle rigidity and cramps, tremors and twitching, abnormal movements of hands and feet

Hypocalcemia (hypoparahyroidism) treatment

calcium and vitamin D supplements, PTH injection

Hypocalcemia (hypoparahyroidism) effects of treatment

hypercalcemia, osteosarcomas

Hypocalcemia (hypoparahyroidism) prognosis

Will likely be able to lead a normal life with treatments

Pineal and pituitary gland issues (damage from traumatic brain injury) symptoms

difficulty sleeping at night, weight gain, dry skin

Pineal and pituitary gland issues (damage from traumatic brain injury) treatment

hyperthyoidism, headache, dizziness, nausea, drowiness

Pineal and pituitary gland issues (damage from traumatic brain injury) prognosis

Traumatic brain injuries can cause lifelong damage to structures, but it is possible the brain will recover over time

Hypopituitarism symptoms

delayed development of teeth, below average height, above average weight

Hypopituitarism treatment

growth hormone replacement therapy

Hypopituitarism effect of treatment

Allergic reactions, joint pain, headaches

Hypopituitarism prognosis

After years of treatment, if is likely that the patient will grow to rach their full adult height