The Language of Medicine - Chapter 18 Endocrine System - Terminology

adenectomy

Removal of a gland.

adenitis

inflammation of a gland

adrenalectomy

Removal of a adrenal gland.

gonadotropin

Hormone secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and acting on the ovaries or testes.

hypogonadism

Deficient functioning of the glands (ovaries or testes).

pancreatectomy

Excision of the pancreas.

parathyroidectomy

Removal of the parathyroid glands.

hypopituitarism

Decreased secretion of parathormone from the parathyroid glands.

thyrotropic hormone

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is this hormone secreted by the pituitary gland.

thyroiditis

Inflammation of a thyroid gland.

androgen

Male hormone responsible for developing and maintaining male secondary sex characteristics.

hypercalcemia

High levels of calcium in the blood.

hypocalcemia

Low levels of calcium in the blood.

hypercalciuria

High levels of calcium in urine.

corticosteroid

Hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex; cortisol and aldosterone are examples.

endocrinologist

Medical specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine gland disorders.

polydipsia

Excessive thirst.

estrogenic

Pertaining to producing female (characteristics).

glucagon

Hormone secreted by the pancreas (alpha islet cells); increases blood glucose (sugar) by conversion of glycogen to glucose.

hyperglycemia

High levels of sugar in the bloodstream; often associated with diabetes mellitus.

glycemic

Pertaining to blood sugar.

glycogen

Storage form of glucose (sugar); it produces glucose when it is broken down (glycogenolysis) in liver cells.

homeostasis

Stoppage of bleeding or circulation of blood.

hormonal

Pertaining to a hormone.

hypokalemia

Low levels of potassium in the blood.

prolactin

Secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland; promotes milk secretion.

myxedema

Hypo-functioning of the thyroid gland in adults.

hyponatremia

Low levels of sodium in the blood.

hypophysectomy

Removal of the pituitary gland.

somatotropin

Hormone secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland; growth hormone.

steroid

Complex, naturally occurring chemicals, such as hormones, that are used in cancer chemotherapy.

oxytocin

Hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland; stimulates contractions of the uterus during childbirth.

thyrotoxicosis

Hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland).

antidiuretic hormone

Pituitary gland hormone that normally stimulates the kidney to decrease production of urine, preventing excess loss of water.

• Also called vasopressin.

hypoglycemia

Low/deficient levels of sugar in the bloodstream.

epinephrine

Hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla; increases heart rate and blood pressure.

adrenocorticotropin hormone

ACTH

glycosuria

Sugar in the urine.

euthyroid

Normal thyroid function.

hyperkalemia

Abnormally high concentration of potassium in the blood.

hypoinsulinism

Deficient production of insulin (pancreatic hormone).

panhypopituitarism

Deficiency of all pituitary gland hormones.

polyuria

Excessive urination.

tetraiodothyronine

Hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that increases body metabolism; thyroxine (T4).

triiodothyronine

Hormone secreted by the thyroid gland (contains three atoms of iodine); stimulates body metabolism; T3.