Endocrine and Immunology Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary practice cards covering thyroid and parathyroid disorders, adrenal gland pathologies, diabetes mellitus types, and basic immunology including anaphylaxis management.

Goiter

Enlargement of the thyroid gland occurring as a result of elevated TSH or an autoimmune process from Graves disease.

Endemic goiter

Thyroid enlargement caused specifically by environmental factors or iodine deficiency.

Stridor

A whistling sound when breathing that occurs when the airway is obstructed.

Thyroid cancer

The most common endocrine cancer, often presenting as a hard, painless, palpable lump with normal TH levels.

Cold nodules

Nodules seen on a thyroid scan that indicate tumors, which may be malignant.

Hot nodules

Nodules seen on a thyroid scan that indicate benign tumors.

Thyroidectomy

Total or subtotal (partial) removal of the thyroid gland.

Euthyroid state

A state of normal thyroid function required before surgery to avoid complications.

Tetany

A complication caused by low serum calcium, characterized by tingling in fingers, muscle spasms, twitching, and cardiac dysrhythmias.

Thyrotoxic crisis

A rare post-op condition resulting from manipulation of the thyroid gland during surgery, leading to increased amounts of TH production.

Hypoparathyroidism

A decrease in PTH causing calcium to stay in the bones and phosphate levels to increase, leading to hypocalcemia.

Chvostěk and Trousseau signs

Positive clinical signs indicating neuromuscular irritability and tetany in hypocalcemic states.

Hyperparathyroidism

Overactivity of one of the parathyroid glands causing excess PTH production and elevated blood calcium levels.

Pheochromocytoma

A rare tumor of the adrenal medulla that secretes excess catecholamines (epinephrine/norepinephrine).

Addison's Disease

Primary adrenocortical insufficiency characterized by low levels of cortisol and aldosterone, often due to autoimmune destruction.

Adrenal crisis

A complication of Addison's disease involving fluid volume deficit, hypotension, dehydration, tachycardia, and potential death.

Cushing's syndrome

A condition caused by exposure to excess cortisol, resulting in central obesity, buffalo hump, and moon face.

Striae

Purple stretch marks on thin skin associated with Cushing's syndrome.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 1

An autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, requiring life-long insulin.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

A chronic condition where the body resists insulin or fails to produce enough, often linked to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Metformin

A medication used for Type 2 diabetes that is metabolized by the liver and activates AMPK to block insulin production.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

An emergency complication where the body breaks down too much fat due to an extreme lack of insulin, creating a backup of ketones.

Anaphylactic Shock

A severe allergic reaction causing severe hypotension and bronchoconstriction, treated primarily with Epinephrine.

Epinephrine

A vasopressor used as the first drug for signs of an allergic reaction; side effects include tachycardia, palpitations, and dizziness.

HIV (Human-immuno deficiency virus)

A virus contracted through blood that can be transmitted at all stages of the infection.