Pituitary Gland Disorders and Endocrine Problems

Vocabulary flashcards covering endocrine and pituitary gland disorders based on the Chapter 54 lecture transcript.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain located above the pituitary gland that strongly influences pituitary function by secreting CRH, TRH, and somatostatin, receives CNS input, coordinates the endocrine and autonomic nervous systems, and regulates behavioral responses like anger, fear, and pleasure.

Infundibular Stalk

Also known as the hypophyseal stalk, it connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland, relaying information between them and creating a strong neuroendocrine connection.

Adenohypophysis

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, making up 80% of the gland by weight, which is regulated by the hypothalamus via a capillary portal system to secrete six key hormones.

Neurohypophysis

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, composed of nerve tissue as an extension of the hypothalamus, which secretes antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.

Intermediate Lobe

The middle section of the pituitary gland responsible for making melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH).

Hypothalamus-Hypophyseal Portal System

A network of capillaries through which hypothalamic hormones travel to reach the anterior pituitary gland to regulate its secretions.

Tropic Hormones

Hormones produced by the anterior pituitary (TSH, ACTH, FSH, and LH) that control the hormone secretion of other endocrine glands.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Also called arginine vasopressin, a posterior pituitary hormone stimulated by osmoreceptors that regulates fluid volume, concentrates urine, and acts as a potent vasoconstrictor.

Acromegaly

A condition caused by the hypersecretion of growth hormone, usually due to a benign GH-secreting pituitary adenoma, resulting in the overgrowth of soft tissues and bones in the face, feet, and hands.

Octreotide

A somatostatin analog medication used in drug therapy for acromegaly.

Bromocriptine

A dopamine agonist medication used in the treatment of acromegaly.

Pegvisomant

A growth hormone (GH) receptor antagonist drug used to treat acromegaly.

Hypophysectomy

The surgical removal of the pituitary gland, most commonly performed using a transsphenoidal approach.

Selective Hypopituitarism

A type of pituitary gland hypofunction involving a deficiency in only one pituitary hormone.

Panhypopituitarism

A type of pituitary gland hypofunction characterized by a decrease or deficiency of all pituitary hormones.

Sheehan Syndrome

A cause of pituitary gland hypofunction, along with pituitary tumors, trauma, autoimmune disorders, and infections.

Somatotropin

Synthetic growth hormone replacement administered via subcutaneous injections for patients with growth hormone deficiency.

Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT)

Medical hormone therapy that aligns physical attributes and hormones with an individual's affirmed gender, using testosterone for male transition or estrogen and anti-androgens for female transition.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Diuresis (SIAD)

A condition resulting from hypersecretion of antidiuretic hormone, causing increased renal water reabsorption, expanded vascular volume, dilutional hyponatremia, reduced serum osmolality, and concentrated urine.

Conivaptan and Tolvaptan

Vasopressor receptor antagonist drugs used in the medical management of Syndrome of Inappropriate Diuresis (SIAD).

Arginine Vasopressin Disorder (AVP)

A disorder caused by ADH deficiency or renal resistance to ADH, leading to decreased renal water reabsorption, reduced intravascular fluid volume, polyuria, polydipsia, and electrolyte imbalances.

Desmopressin (DDAVP)

A medication used for the drug treatment of Arginine Vasopressin Disorder deficiency (AVP-D) or Central Diabetes Insipidus.

Water Deprivation Test

A diagnostic procedure used along with urine output and urine specific gravity measurements to diagnose Arginine Vasopressin Disorder.