Endocrine System Overview

Endocrine System Overview

• Definition & Study

• Endocrine System: Composed of glands that secrete hormones internally.

• Endocrinology: Study of the endocrine system.

• Endocrinologist: Specialist in endocrinology.

• Endocrinopathy: Disease affecting an endocrine gland.

• Glands Involved:

• Pituitary

• Thyroid

• Parathyroid

• Thymus

• Adrenal

• Pancreas

• Gonads (ovaries/testes)

• Functions of Endocrine System:

• Creates and secretes hormones (chemical messengers).

• Hormones transmit messages through the blood to various body parts.

• Affect processes such as metabolism, growth, emotions, sleep, and blood pressure.

• Endocrine vs. Exocrine Glands:

• Endocrine: Ductless, hormones enter bloodstream (e.g., adrenal, thyroid).

• Exocrine: Have ducts, secretions (e.g., sweat, saliva) reach target via ducts.

• Endocrine Disorders:

• Diabetes (Mellitus and Insipidus)

• Adrenal insufficiency, Addison's disease

• Cushing Syndrome

• Gigantism and Acromegaly

• Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism (Grave’s disease)

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Common Surgeries:

• Adrenalectomy, Pancreatectomy, Parathyroidectomy, Thyroidectomy

• Pituitary Gland Overview:

• Known as the "master gland".

• Regulates other endocrine glands.

• Anterior Lobe Hormones: Growth Hormone (GH), Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH), Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH).

• Posterior Lobe Hormones: Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), Oxytocin.

• Thyroid Gland Functions:

• Secretes thyroid hormone to regulate metabolism.

• Located in the neck.

• Related disorders include Hashimoto's, thyroid nodules, and hyperthyroidism.

• Adrenal Glands Overview:

• Located atop kidneys.

• Secretes adrenaline (epinephrine), aldosterone, and cortisol.

• Functions to manage blood pressure and blood salt levels.

• Disorders include Addison's disease and Cushing syndrome.

• Pancreas Functions:

• Primarily a digestive organ with endocrine functions.

• Secretes insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose.

• Disorders include diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis.

• Diagnostic Tests:

• RAIU, Thyroid Sonography, FBS, HbA1C for diabetes diagnosis.

• Key Terms and Combining Forms:

• Acr/o (extremities), calc/i (calcium), dips/o (thirst), kal/i (potassium).

• Common Symptoms of Disorders:

• Cushing Syndrome: Moon face, hypertension, skin changes.

• Giantism/Acromegaly: Excess growth hormone effects on the body.

Key Terms and Combining Forms in the Endocrine System

• Combining Forms:

• Acr/o: extremities

• Calc/i: calcium

• Dips/o: thirst

• Kal/i: potassium

• Prefixes and Suffixes:

• Endo-: within or inside

• -crine: to secrete

• -opathy: disease

• -gen: producing, generating

• -emia: blood condition

• Hypo-: under, below normal

• Hyper-: over, above normal

• -ectomy: surgical removal

• -itis: inflammation

These prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms are essential for understanding medical terminology related to the endocrine system.

Common Endocrine Diseases and Their Definitions

1. Diabetes Mellitus: A group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Includes Type 1 (insulin-dependent) and Type 2 (insulin resistance).

2. Diabetes Insipidus: A condition characterized by frequent urination and extreme thirst due to an imbalance of fluids in the body.

3. Addison's Disease: A disorder in which the adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of hormones, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure.

4. Cushing Syndrome: A condition resulting from prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, causing symptoms such as obesity, round face, and high blood pressure.

5. Gigantism: Excess growth in children due to overproduction of growth hormone, resulting in abnormal growth of bones and tissues.

6. Acromegaly: A disorder in adults caused by excess growth hormone, leading to enlarged bones and tissues, especially in the hands, feet, and face.

7. Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and depression.

8. Hyperthyroidism (Grave’s Disease): An overproduction of thyroid hormones, resulting in symptoms like weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and increased anxiety.

9. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries.