Thermoregulation Hyperthyroidism

Vocabulary flashcards related to hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism

A sustained increase in synthesis and release of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.

Thyrotoxicosis

Physiologic effects/clinical syndrome of hypermetabolism resulting from increased circulating levels of T3, T4, or both.

Graves’ Disease

Autoimmune disease characterized by diffuse thyroid enlargement and excess thyroid hormone secretion.

Ophthalmopathy

Abnormal eye appearance or function, such as increased fat deposits and fluid behind the eyeballs, forcing them outward.

Exophthalmos

Protrusion of the eyeballs from the orbits; a type of ophthalmopathy often associated with Graves' disease.

Subclinical Hyperthyroidism

Serum TSH level below 0.4 mIU/L with normal T4 and T3 levels; symptoms may or may not be present.

Overt Hyperthyroidism

Low or undetectable TSH with elevated T4 and T3 levels.

Goiter Assessment

Visual inspection and auscultation of the thyroid gland, listening for bruits (wooshing sound due to increased blood flow).

Subtotal Thyroidectomy

Involves removal of 90% of the thyroid; preferred surgical procedure for hyperthyroidism.

Antithyroid Drugs

Medications like Propylthiouracil and methimazole that inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormone.

β-Adrenergic Blockers

Useful for symptomatic relief of thyrotoxicosis, blocking effects of sympathetic nervous stimulation.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI)

Treatment that damages or destroys thyroid tissue, often used in nonpregnant adults.