Endocrine System Essay Questions

Explain the two major chemical classifications of hormones. 

Explain the two major chemical classifications of hormones. 

The amino acid-based molecules include proteins, peptides, and amines. The steroid hormones include the sex hormones made by the gonads and the hormones produced by the adrenal cortex.

Describe the three types of stimuli that activate the endocrine organs. 

The most common stimulus is hormonal. In hormonal stimulus, endocrine organs are prodded into action by other hormones, known as tropic hormones. Another type of stimulus is humoral, in which changing blood levels of certain ions and nutrients stimulate hormone release. The third type of stimulus is neural, in which nerve fibers stimulate hormone release. 

Explain the pituitary-hypothalamus relationship. 

Hormones from the anterior pituitary are released in response to releasing and inhibiting hormones produced by the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus releases these hormones into the blood of the portal circulation, which connects the blood supply of the hypothalamus with that of the anterior pituitary. Hormones from the posterior pituitary are made in the hypothalamus by hypothalamic neurons. Those hormones are then stored in the posterior pituitary until their release is necessary.

Explain the negative feedback interaction between calcitonin and parathyroid hormone. 

Calcitonin, released by the thyroid gland, decreases blood calcium levels by causing calcium to be deposited in the bones. Parathyroid hormone, released by the parathyroids in response to low blood calcium levels, stimulates bone destruction by osteoclasts, causing release of calcium into the blood. PTH is, therefore, a hypercalcemic hormone, whereas calcitonin is a hypocalcemic hormone. PTH is the most important regulator of calcium ion homeostasis of the blood. 

Explain the causes and effects of menopause. 

The onset of menopause, commonly called "change of life," is brought about by decline and atrophy of the ovaries. The decreased production of estrogen and other female hormones results in the inability to bear children, arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, decreased skin elasticity, and sympathetic nervous system changes. These changes in the sympathetic nervous system bring about what are commonly called "hot flashes." Other symptoms include fatigue, nervousness, and mood changes. 

A person who drinks a lot of alcoholic beverages must urinate frequently. Why? 

Alcohol inhibits ADH secretion.

Compare the structure and function of endocrine and exocrine glands. 

Endocrine glands are ductless glands that release hormones into the blood to be transported to other organs. Exocrine glands have ducts through which products are released. 

Why would one not expect to continue increasing in height with age? 

The amount of growth hormone secreted declines with age and the closure of the epiphyseal plates prohibits further growth in length of the long bones. 

Briefly discuss target cell activation by hormone-receptor interaction. 

The first step is hormone-receptor binding to target cells, but interaction depends on blood levels of the hormone, relative number of receptors for that hormone on or in the target cells, and the strength of the union between the hormone and the receptor. 

Glucagon and insulin both target the cells of the liver and are both made in the pancreas, yet they have very different effects on the cells they target. What accounts for this fact? 

Glucagon and insulin use different cell surface receptors. 

List the four mechanisms involved in the regulation of aldosterone secretion. 

The four mechanisms are: (1) the renin-angiotensin mechanism, (2) plasma concentration of sodium and potassium ions, (3) control exerted by ACTH, and (4) plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide. 

Mrs. James appeared at the clinic complaining of extreme nervousness and sweating, saying that she could feel and hear her heart thumping when she tried to sleep at night. Laboratory testing revealed hyperglycemia and increased basal metabolic rate. Although she also proved to have high blood pressure, tests of thyroid function were normal. What is your diagnosis? What treatment should be used? 

The diagnosis is hypersecretion of catecholamines, sometimes arising from a rare chromaffin cell tumor called a pheochromocytoma. Treatment is removal of the tumor and/or irradiation of the adrenal medulla. 

Give an example of synergism in hormones. 

The liver will release glucose in the presence of glucagon or epinephrine. If both hormones are present the amount of glucose released is increased 150%. 

A woman trying to lose weight buys diet pills off the shelf. She takes them as recommended and notes a quick weight loss. What could cause this sudden weight loss? (The label on the diet pills lists a chemical known to be a strong diuretic.) 

The diuretic may have antagonized the effect of ADH, inhibited Na+ reabsorption, or increased GFR, causing water to be flushed from the body. The "weight loss" was simply water loss.

Mr. Sanchez makes an appointment to see his doctor for pain in his abdominal area. Tests and X rays reveal kidney stones as well as bones with a moth-eaten appearance. Further questioning reveals a medical history of abnormal reflexes and weakness. What is the problem and what treatment would be recommended? 

The problem is hyperparathyroidism resulting from a parathyroid gland tumor. The treatment is removal of the tumor. 

It was often rumored that one of our deceased presidents (JFK) was suffering from Addison's disease (inadequate synthesis of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids). What symptoms may have led to the diagnosis of this condition? 

Hypoglycemia, a bronzing of the skin, low body weight, low plasma glucose and sodium levels, high potassium levels, hypotension, and some dehydration would all have been observed in the patient. 

Due to a recent head injury, a client is told that his pituitary is hypersecreting prolactin. Is there need for concern about this young man? 

Yes; there should be great concern, because hypersecretion of prolactin will lead to impotence. 

The parents of a 17-year-old boy are concerned about his height because he is only 5 feet tall and they are both close to 6 feet tall. After tests by their doctor, certain hormones are prescribed for the boy. What is the probable diagnosis, and what hormones were prescribed? Why might the child still expect to reach his growth potential? 

The diagnosis is insufficient growth hormone. The prescription is commercial pituitary growth hormone. The reason the child might reach his growth potential is that the epiphyseal plates of the long bones have not yet closed, allowing additional growth of the long bones. 

John is a 26-year-old man who begins to notice a progressive enlargement of feet, hands, cranium, nose, and lower jaw bone. His doctor recommends irradiation of the pituitary gland. What is the most likely diagnosis? Why? 

The diagnosis is acromegaly. The condition results from excess secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland postpuberty and after the epiphyseal plates of the long bones have fused. 

Explain how antidiuretic hormone can help regulate an abnormal increase in solute concentration in the extracellular fluid. 

The release of antidiuretic hormone can regulate an increase in solute concentration by causing reabsorption of water by the kidney. With reabsorption, blood water volume increases, decreasing solute concentration. 

Differentiate between Type I and Type II Diabetes

Type II Diabetes – In most cases develops in adults. These individuals produce insulin, but for some reason their insulin receptors are unable to respond to it, a situation called insulin resistance. Type II diabetics are treated with special diets or oral hypoglycemic medications that prod the sluggish beta cells of the islets into action and increase the sensitivity of the target tissues to insulin. 

Type I Diabetes - To regulate blood glucose levels in the more severe type I (juvenile, or brittle) diabetic, insulin is infused continuously by an insulin pump worn externally, or a regimen of carefully planned insulin injections is administered throughout the day.

What is the most important nursing intervention when caring for a patient with Cushing's syndrome? 

Because of enhanced anti-inflammatory effects, infections may become overwhelmingly severe. Therefore the nurse should protect the client from infection. 

A 25-year-old male was admitted to the medical/surgical unit with a blood glucose of 600 mg/dl. On assessment, the nurse observed his breathing was deep and rapid, and his breath smelled of acetone. His face was flushed and his skin was dry. His pH was low. Describe the physiological response that is occurring. 

In severe cases of diabetes mellitus, blood levels of fatty acids and their metabolites rise dramatically. The fatty acid metabolite, collectively called ketones, are strong organic acids. When they accumulate faster than they are used or excreted, the blood pH drops resulting in ketoacidosis, and ketones begin to spill into the urine. The nervous system responds by initiating rapid deep breathing to blow off carbon dioxide from the blood and increase pH. 

Explain the homeostatic imbalance that results from the hypersecretion of the different areas of the adrenal cortex hormones

Hypersecretion is generally the result of tumors, and the resulting condition depends on the cortical area involved. 

Hypersecretion of the outermost cortical area results in hyperaldosteronism. Excessive water & sodium are retained, leading to high blood pressure, & large amounts of potassium are lost disrupting the activity of the heart & nervous system.

Hypersecretion of the middle cortical area causes Cushing’s  syndrome. Excess glucocorticoids results in a “moon face”, appearance of a “buffalo hump” of fat on the upper back, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia (possibly diabetes), weakening of the bones, & severe depression of the immune system.

Hypersecretion of the sex hormones leads to masculinization, regardless of sex. In adult males these effects may be masked, but in females a beard develops, & a masculine pattern of body hair distribution occurs.