Endocrine & Lymphatic System

Endocrine System

The body's chemical messenger system, consisting of a complex network of glands that produce and secrete hormones.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate various bodily functions.

Exocrine glands

Glands that have ducts and secrete hormones to the surface of organs or into cavities.

Lymphatic System

A network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and unwanted materials.

Lymph

A fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, transported throughout the body by the lymphatic system.

Thyroid Gland

A butterfly-shaped gland that regulates metabolism and serum calcium levels through hormone secretion.

Parathyroid Gland

Glands located on the posterior thyroid that regulate phosphorus metabolism and calcium levels.

T-lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell produced in the thymus that plays a crucial role in immune responses.

Adrenal Glands

Glands sitting on top of the kidneys that secrete hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

Pancreas

An organ with endocrine (producing insulin) and exocrine (producing digestive enzymes) functions.

Common endocrine conditions

Health issues such as goiters, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism that affect hormone production.

Acromegaly

A condition caused by excess growth hormone resulting in abnormal enlargement of bones and soft tissues.

Diabetes Mellitus

Group of diseases that disrupt normal glucose usage, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excessive hormones, resulting in weight loss and nervousness.

Cushing's Syndrome

A condition caused by excess cortisol which can result in weight gain and fat accumulation in certain areas.

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid condition characterized by insufficient hormone production, leading to fatigue and weight gain.

Endocrinologist

A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating endocrine system diseases.

Thyrotoxicosis

Overactivity of the thyroid gland leading to symptoms including anxiety, weight loss, and increased sweating.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that controls calcium levels in the blood.

Insulin

Hormone secreted by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that play a significant role in the immune response.

Lymphadenitis

Inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes, often due to infection.

Lymphedema

Swelling caused by the accumulation of lymph fluid due to obstruction or removal of lymphatic vessels.

Spleen

An organ that filters blood and produces white blood cells, playing a vital role in the immune system.

Thymectomy

Surgical removal of the thymus gland, often performed in cases of thymoma.

Orchiopexy

Surgical procedure to move an undescended testicle into the scrotum.

Goiter

Enlargement of the thyroid gland, often due to iodine deficiency.

Hyperparathyroidism

Condition characterized by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone, leading to elevated calcium levels.

ACTH stimulation test

A diagnostic test used to assess the function of the adrenal glands.

Pancreatectomy

Surgical removal of part or all of the pancreas.

Prolactinoma

A benign tumor of the pituitary gland that produces excess prolactin, affecting fertility.

Vasectomy

Surgical procedure that removes a portion of the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the ejaculate.

Diabetes Type 1

A condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, requiring external insulin administration.

Diabetes Type 2

A condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough, often managed through lifestyle changes.

AIDS

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome caused by HIV, which severely affects the immune system.

Lymphoma

A neoplastic disease of lymphoid tissue.

Thyroiditis

Inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Melatonin

Hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood and inhibiting gastric secretions.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Hormone that regulates water balance in the body by reducing urine output.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in females.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Hormone produced by the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation and stimulates testosterone production in males.

Euthyroid

A state in which the thyroid gland is functioning normally.

PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)

Hormone responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood and bone metabolism.

Somatotropic hormone

A growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth in tissues.

Hyperkalemia

An abnormally high level of potassium in the blood.

Hypoparathyroidism

Underactivity of the parathyroid glands, leading to low levels of calcium in the blood.

Thymitis

Inflammation of the thymus gland.

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)

Type 1 diabetes where the body does not produce insulin.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

A diverse group of blood cancers that includes any lymphoma except Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

A long-term condition where the kidneys do not work effectively.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Condition characterized by overactive parathyroid glands leading to high calcium levels.

Secondary Diabetes

Diabetes that results from another condition or treatment affecting insulin production.

Hypoglycemia

A condition of low blood sugar, resulting in symptoms like dizziness and confusion.

Glycogenolysis

The process of breaking down glycogen into glucose when blood sugar levels are low.

Cystectomy

Surgical removal of one or both ovaries along with cysts.

Thyroid function test (TFT)

A blood test that measures the levels of thyroid hormones in the body.

Carotid Body

A small cluster of chemoreceptors located in the carotid artery, responsible for sensing oxygen levels in the blood.

Lymphatic vessels

Network of vessels that transport lymph fluid away from tissues and back to the bloodstream.

Tonsils

Lymphoid tissues located in the throat that help trap pathogens.

Adenoma

A benign tumor that arises from glandular tissue.

Cystic fibrosis

A genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system.

Left subclavian vein

Vein that receives lymph from the thoracic duct.

Right lymphatic duct

Duct that drains lymph from the right side of the head, neck, thorax, and right arm.

Thyroid hormone

Hormone produced by the thyroid that regulates metabolism.

Calcitonin

Hormone secreted by the thyroid that lowers blood calcium levels.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms.

Lymphadenopathy

Disease of the lymph nodes, often resulting in enlargement.

Hypothalamus

Part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland and regulates many bodily functions.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)

A group of disorders that affect the endocrine system leading to the development of tumors.

Natural killer T-cell (NKT)

A type of immune cell that can recognize and kill infected or cancerous cells.

Splenectomy

Surgical removal of the spleen.

Toxicology

The study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms.

Papilloma

A benign tumor of epithelial tissue that can appear on the skin or mucous membranes.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

A signal protein that stimulates the growth of blood vessels.

Transthoracic

Relating to or involving a surgical approach from the chest.

Lobectomy

Surgical removal of a lobe from an organ.

Stress hormones

Hormones, such as cortisol, released during stressful situations.

Neoplasm

An abnormal growth of tissue, which can be benign or malignant.

Laparoscopic surgery

Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions and a camera.

Angiogenesis

The development of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Norepinephrine

A hormone and neurotransmitter involved in the body's stress response.

Granulocytes

Type of white blood cell involved in inflammatory responses.

Immune response

The body's defense mechanism against pathogens.

Antigen

A foreign substance that induces an immune response.

Toxicity

The degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Radiation therapy

A cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells.

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system that identifies and neutralizes foreign objects.

Hemolymph

Fluid in the circulatory system of invertebrates, analogous to blood in vertebrates.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

The most common type of antibody found in blood circulation.

Autoimmune disease

Conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells.

Hormone therapy

A treatment involving the administration of hormones to prevent or treat disease.

Disease condition

An abnormal state of health affecting a specific organ or part of the body.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)

Lymphoid tissues associated with mucosal surfaces.

Carcinogenesis

The process of development of cancer.

B-cells

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies.

Cytokines

Signaling molecules that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death.