Chapter+9

Chapter Overview

• Medical Terminology: Learning Through Practice, 2e Chapter 09 - Endocrine System

• Created By: Paula Bostwick, Adapted For MOD 01 By: Dr. Terence George (CHCP-AUS)

9.1 Structure and Function of the Endocrine System

• The endocrine system is a group of glands that regulate body chemicals, acting as the body's master regulator.

• Hormones are secreted by these glands and play critical roles in bodily functions.

Major Endocrine Organs

• Pituitary Gland: Often called the "master gland" due to its regulatory role in other endocrine glands.

• Others:

  • Pineal gland

  • Parathyroid glands

  • Adrenal glands

  • Testes

  • Hypothalamus

  • Thyroid gland

  • Thymus gland

  • Pancreas

  • Ovaries

Endocrine Questions

• Q: An example of a male hormone produced in the testes?

  • A: A) testosterone

• Q: Where is the thyroid gland located?

  • A: A) Either side of the trachea

Hormones and Their Functions

• Hypothalamus: Stimulates/inhibits pituitary secretions.

• Pineal Gland: Regulates sexual function and sleep cycles.

• Pituitary Gland: Involved in growth and metabolism.

Hormones from the Anterior Pituitary Gland

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

• Luteinizing hormone (LH)

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

• Prolactin (PRL)

• Growth hormone (GH)

Hormones from the Posterior Pituitary Gland

• Oxytocin (OT)

• Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Building Your Endocrine Vocabulary

• Aden(o): Gland

• Adren(o): Adrenal glands

• Gluco(o): Glucose

• Gonad(o): Sex glands

• Pancreat(o): Pancreas

• Thyr(o): Thyroid gland

Key Glands and Their Functions

• Thyroid Gland: Regulates metabolism.

• Thymus Gland: Important for T and B lymphocyte development.

• Adrenal Glands: Involved in metabolism, growth, and fluid balance.

  • Adrenal Cortex: Produces hormones like cortisol.

  • Adrenal Medulla: Produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Pancreas, Ovaries, and Testes Functions

• Pancreas: Produces insulin to maintain glucose levels.

• Ovaries: Produce estrogen and progesterone.

• Testes: Produce testosterone.

Diabetes Types 1 & 2

• Diabetes mellitus (DM):

  • Type 1 (insulin-dependent)

  • Type 2 (often develops later)

  • Gestational diabetes in pregnancy.

  • Mature-onset diabetes of the young (MODY).

Treatment for Diabetes

• Includes:

  • Diet and exercise

  • Patient education

  • Plasma glucose monitoring

  • Regular laboratory evaluations

A1C Target Levels

• Normal: Less than or equal to 5.6%

• Prediabetes: 5.7% - 6.4%

• Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

Word Building in the Endocrine System

• Terms:

  • pancreat-itis: Inflammation of the pancreas

  • glyco-lysis: Conversion of glycogen to glucose

  • adeno-pathy: Disease of the glands

  • thyro-toxic: Excess thyroid hormone

  • parathyroid-ectomy: Surgical removal of the parathyroids

Abbreviations

• DM: Diabetes mellitus

• GH: Growth hormone

• IDDM: Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

• SIADH: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion

• T4: Thyroxine

Structures of the Endocrine System

• Includes: Pineal gland, Thyroid gland, Adrenal gland, Ovary, Pancreas, Hypothalamus, Pituitary gland, Parathyroid glands, Kidney, Thymus, Testis.

Discussion & Critical Thinking Activity

• Role as an MA in an endocrinology clinic discussing:

  • Patient's history of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

  • Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s Disease)

  • Reviewing abnormal glucose levels and discussing possible medications.