The Child with Endocrine Dysfunction

Flashcards covering key concepts about the endocrine system and disorders related to it.

Endocrine System

The system that controls and regulates metabolism through hormones secreted by glands distributed throughout the body.

Hormone

A chemical substance that exerts a physiologic controlling effect on other cells.

Pituitary Gland

The gland responsible for regulating many other glands and is often referred to as the 'master gland'.

Negative Feedback Mechanism

A regulatory mechanism that decreases the output or activity of a system.

Positive Feedback Mechanism

A regulatory mechanism that increases the output or activity of a system.

Precocious Puberty

Early sexual development noted by the appearance of secondary sex characteristics before age 9 years in boys and age 8 in girls.

Diabetes Insipidus

A disorder of the posterior pituitary causing uncontrolled diuresis due to undersecretion or dysfunction of antidiuretic hormone.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH)

A condition caused by hypersecretion of antidiuretic hormone leading to fluid retention and hypotonicity.

Thyroid Hormone

Hormones that regulate the basal metabolic rate, growth, and tissue differentiation.

Hypothyroidism

A disorder characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, leading to symptoms such as dry hair and weight gain.

Hyperthyroidism

A disorder resulting from excessive thyroid hormone production, causing symptoms such as weight loss and rapid heartbeat.

Cushing Syndrome

A condition caused by excessive circulating free cortisol, leading to a characteristic group of symptoms.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

A genetic disorder affecting adrenal steroid synthesis, often leading to excess androgen production.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

A form of diabetes characterized by destruction of pancreatic beta cells and absolute insulin deficiency.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

A form of diabetes primarily marked by insulin resistance combined with relative insulin deficiency.

Acidosis

An excessive acidity of body fluids, pH < 7.35.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Glucocorticoids

A group of steroid hormones, including cortisol, that are involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism and immune response.

Mineralocorticoids

A class of steroid hormones that regulate sodium and potassium levels and maintain blood pressure.

Catecholamines

Hormones produced by the adrenal medulla, including epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are involved in the body's stress response.