Chapter 12 - Endocrine system

Endocrine

Refers to any cell or organ that secretes chemical messengers directly into the bloodstream.

endocrinologist

A medical specialist in endocrinology

endocrine signaling

Releasing of hormones directly into the bloodstream

paracrine signaling

Release of a chemical messenger by a cell that acts on the cells beside it

hypothalamus

Maintain and control body homeostasis - The main link between the nervous and endocrine systems.

pineal gland

Regulates the body’s sleep/wake cycle.

melatonin

Regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms.

pituitary gland

the “master gland” because it influences the production of hormones from other endocrine glands

growth hormone aka somatotropin

Regulates body growth and cellular development, reproduction and regeneration

prolactin

Stimulates development of mammary glands, production of milk

antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Decreases urine production

Thyroid gland

Regulates metabolism and moves calcium to the bones

parathyroid glands

Moves calcium from bone to blood

thymus gland

Immunity: essential for building immunity in childhood. Produces thymosin.

glucagon

increases blood glucose levels

insulin

Decreases blood glucose levels

adrenal glands

dependent on region of the cortex or the medulla.

suprarenal

pertaining to above/superior to the kidney

cortical

pertaining to the cortex/outer layer

epinephrine

potent cardiac effect increases heart rate/strengthens contractions.
stimulates the "fight or flight" response

norepinephrine

potent vasoconstrictor; increases blood pressure.

cortisol

stress hormone

gonad

testicles, ovaries

productions of sex cells (ova, sperm) and each produces the majority of its sex hormones.

endogenous

Processes that originate or occur within the body

endocrine glands

Glands, tissues or cells that secrete chemical messengers directly into the
bloodstream

exocrine gland

A gland that secretes outwardly through duct

gonadotropin

A hormone that stimulates testicular/ovarian

tetany

A type of severe muscle spasm related to hypocalcemia

adenoma

A benign tumor of a gland

hypersecretion

Excessive production of a hormone

hyposecretion

Insufficient production of a hormone

acromegaly

Enlargement of head, hands, and feet due to hypersecretion of growth hormone after the end of puberty

diabetes insipidus

Insufficient production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) causes excessive urination and thirst due; not r/t diabetes mellitus

gigantism

Abnormal growth (height/size) due to hypersecretion of growth hormone in
children before the end of puberty

cretinism

Condition of severe congenital hypothyroidism

exophthalmos

Protrusion of the eyeball/bulging eyes; often due to hyperthyroidism

goiter aka thyromegaly

Benign enlargement of the thyroid gland

diabetes mellitus

A metabolic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism due to inability to produce insulin or use available insulin

Type 1 diabetes

The body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells until they no longer produce insulin (IDDM: Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)

Type 2 diabetes

The pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, or the body can't use insulin properly due to insulin resistance (NIDDM: Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)

gestational diabetes

Elevated blood glucose levels due to insulin-blocking hormones during pregnancy

hyperglycemia

High level of glucose (sugar) in the blood; blood condition of excessive glucose

hypoglycemia

Low level of glucose (sugar) in the blood

diabetic coma

State of deep unconsciousness caused by dangerously high or low blood sugar levels caused by uncontrolled diabetes

diabetic neuropathy

Nerve damage due to chronic hyperglycemia; can lead to paresthesia, burning pain, amputation, etc.

paresthesia

An abnormal sensation; (e.g., tingling, burning, pricking

polydipsia

Excessive thirst

polyphagia

Excessive hunger; extreme insatiable hunger

Cushing’s syndrome

Elevated cortisol levels; causes weight
Elevated cortisol levels; causes weight gain, “moon face”, thin arms/legs, fatigue, muscle weakness.

adrenal virilism

Excessive production of adrenal androgens; most notable in women: breast/uterine shrinkage, facial hair, male pattern baldness, irregular menses, voice deepening

gynecomastia

Overdevelopment or enlargement of the breast tissue in men; due to an increase in estrogen

hirsutism

Excessive growth of hair of normal or abnormal distribution; usually refers to excessive body hair

hypercalcemia

Excessive level of calcium in the blood

hyperkalemia

Excessive level of potassium in the blood

hypernatremia

Excessive level of sodium in the blood

hyponatremia

Insufficient level of sodium in the blood

corticosteroid drugs

A class of drugs that are used for their strong anti-inflammatory properties; synthetic medications based mostly on glucocorticoids.

cortisol vs cortisone

cortisol is the hormone released from the adrenal cortex and cortisone is a synthetic, drug designed to mimic the action of cortisol.

norepinephrine aka noradrenaline

given during shock to increase blood pressure that does not improve with intravenous fluids.

oxytocin

A synthesized drug that mimics the natural hormone; used to induce labor by stimulating uterine contractions