Medical Terminology: Endocrine System Disorders and Laboratory Testing

Vocabulary flashcards covering conditions and diagnostic tests for the adrenal, pancreas, parathyroid, pituitary, and thyroid glands based on the provided text.

Cushing syndrome

A collection of signs and symptoms caused by an excessive level of cortisol hormone; may be due to excessive production by the adrenal gland (often because of a tumor), or, more commonly, occurs as a side effect of treatment with glucocorticoid (steroid) hormones, such as prednisone for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or other inflammatory diseases; symptoms include upper body obesity, facial puffiness (moon-shaped appearance), hyperglycemia, weakness, thin and easily bruised skin with stria (stretch marks), hypertension, and osteoporosis.

adrenal virilism

Excessive output of the adrenal secretion of androgen (male sex hormone) in adult women caused by a tumor or hyperplasia; evidenced by amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), acne, hirsutism, and deepening of the voice (virilis = masculine).

diabetes mellitus (DM)

Metabolic disorder caused by the absence or insufficient production of insulin secreted by the pancreas, resulting in hyperglycemia and glucosuria (diabetes = passing through; mellitus = sugar).

type 1 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes in which no beta-cell production of insulin occurs and the patient is dependent on insulin for survival.

type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes in which either the body produces insufficient insulin or insulin resistance (a defective use of the insulin that is produced) occurs; the patient usually is not dependent on insulin for survival.

hyperinsulinism

A condition resulting from an excessive amount of insulin in the blood that draws sugar out of the bloodstream, resulting in hypoglycemia, fainting, and convulsions; often caused by an overdose of insulin or by a tumor of the pancreas.

pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas.

hyperparathyroidism

Hypersecretion of the parathyroid glands, usually caused by a tumor.

hypoparathyroidism

Hyposecretion of the parathyroid glands.

acromegaly

Disease characterized by enlarged features, especially of the face and hands, caused by hypersecretion of the pituitary growth hormone after puberty, when normal bone growth has stopped; most often caused by a pituitary tumor.

pituitary dwarfism

A condition of congenital hyposecretion of growth hormone that slows growth and causes short, yet proportionate, stature (not affecting intelligence); often treated during childhood with growth hormone; other forms of dwarfism are most often caused by genetic defects.

pituitary gigantism

A condition of hypersecretion of growth hormone during childhood bone development that leads to an abnormal overgrowth of bone, especially of the long bones; most often caused by a pituitary tumor.

goiter

Enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by thyroid dysfunction, tumor, lack of iodine in the diet, or inflammation (goiter = throat).

hyperthyroidism

A condition of hypersecretion of the thyroid gland characterized by nervousness, weight loss, rapid pulse, protrusion of the eyeball (exophthalmos), goiter, etc.

Graves disease

Autoimmune defect that creates antibodies that stimulate the overproduction of thyroid hormones; exophthalmos is a featured characteristic.

hypothyroidism

A condition of hyposecretion of the thyroid gland causing low thyroid levels in the blood that result in sluggishness, slow pulse, and, often, obesity.

myxedema

Advanced hypothyroidism in adults characterized by sluggishness, slow pulse, puffiness in the hands and face, and dry skin (myx = mucus).

cretinism

Condition of congenital hypothyroidism in children that results in a lack of mental development and dwarfed physical stature; the thyroid gland is either congenitally absent or imperfectly developed.

blood sugar (BS) / blood glucose

Measurement of the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

fasting blood sugar (FBS)

Measurement of blood sugar level after fasting (not eating) for 12 hours.

postprandial blood sugar (PPBS)

Measurement of blood sugar level after a meal (commonly 2 hours later).

glucose tolerance test (GTT)

Measurement of the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates by administering a prescribed amount of glucose after a fasting period, then measuring blood and urine for glucose levels every hour thereafter for 4 to 6 hours.

glycohemoglobin / glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)

A molecule (fraction) in hemoglobin, the level of which rises in the blood as a result of an increased level of blood sugar; a common blood test used in diagnosing and treating diabetes.

electrolyte panel

Measurement of the level of specific ions (sodium, potassium, and chloride) along with carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) (for indirect measure of bicarbonate ion) in the blood; electrolytes are essential for maintaining water balance (hydration) as well as nerve, muscle, and heart activity.

thyroid function study

Measurement of thyroid hormone levels in blood plasma to determine the efficiency of glandular secretions, including T3, T4, and TSH.

urine sugar and ketone studies

Chemical tests to determine the presence of sugar or ketone bodies in urine; used as a screen for diabetes (Note: production of a urine specimen for these tests requires one to urinate or void [empty the bladder]).