Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders Quiz

The endocrine system regulates the body's internal environment, monitoring and responding to changes in homeostasis.

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, traveling through the bloodstream to target cells with specific receptors.

A primary endocrine disorder results from a dysfunction within the endocrine gland itself, impacting its ability to produce hormones.

A secondary endocrine disorder occurs when the signaling molecules that regulate hormone secretion are impaired, leading to an imbalance in hormone production.

Negative feedback is the most common type of feedback mechanism in the endocrine system. It regulates hormone production by decreasing secretion when a stimulus reaches a certain level.

Endocrine disorders are categorized by the affected endocrine organ, direction of change (hyper- or hypofunction), and underlying mechanism (primary or secondary).

Hyperfunction refers to an excess of hormone production by an endocrine gland.

Hypofunction refers to a deficiency of hormone production by an endocrine gland.

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland work together to regulate hormone release. The hypothalamus senses changes in the body and sends signals (releasing or inhibiting hormones) to the pituitary, which then releases hormones into the bloodstream.

The thyroid gland produces two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are made by adding iodine to the amino acid tyrosine.

T4 and T3 are secreted into the bloodstream and circulate bound to plasma proteins. They enter target cells and influence gene expression, affecting key processes like growth, metabolism, and energy use.

The production of T4 and T3 is controlled by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) released from the anterior pituitary gland.

The hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which prompts the anterior pituitary to release TSH.

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone.

Primary hypothyroidism arises from a problem with the thyroid gland itself, directly affecting its ability to produce hormones.

Secondary hypothyroidism stems from a problem with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which disrupts the normal production of TRH and TSH.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.

A chronic endocrine disorder characterized by destruction of the adrenal cortex and impaired adrenal cortical hormone secretion.

A form of primary hypocortisolism marked by high ACTH levels and low cortisol levels. It can also involve reduced aldosterone and androgen production.

A common cause of Addison's Disease resulting from the immune system attacking the adrenal cortex.

Reduced protein synthesis due to the body using amino acids as fuel instead, leading to muscle wasting and thinning of limbs.

Cortisol increases sensitivity to catecholamines, causing blood vessels to constrict, potentially leading to high blood pressure.

An overactive thyroid caused by immune system stimulation leading to excess thyroid hormone production and enlarged thyroid gland.

Enlarged thyroid gland, typically due to excessive thyroid hormone production or immune system stimulation.

A specific autoimmune disease that causes an overactive thyroid, leading to high levels of thyroid hormones.

A serious complication of hyperthyroidism, marked by high fever, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and agitation.

A hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex responsible for regulating stress response, blood sugar, and metabolism.

A key protein that binds to cortisol in the bloodstream, controlling its circulation and availability to target tissues.

The outer layer of the adrenal gland responsible for producing various hormones.

A part of the adrenal cortex that synthesizes aldosterone, a hormone crucial for regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure.

Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including glucose metabolism, inflammation, and immune response.

Increased Cortisol levels due to a tumor in the adrenal glands which produces excessive amounts of Cortisol.

Tumors within the adrenal cortex are the primary cause of Cushing's Syndrome, leading to excessive Cortisol production.

In Cushing's Syndrome, the negative feedback loop is still intact, but the adrenal glands are producing excessive Cortisol. This leads to low levels of ACTH as the body tries to compensate.

Cushing's Syndrome can also be caused by tumors outside the adrenal glands that produce ACTH, or by taking exogenous corticosteroids.

A condition where low cortisol levels are produced due to an issue with the adrenal glands.

Cushing's Syndrome can lead to weight gain, especially around the face, trunk, and upper back, as Cortisol promotes fat storage in these areas.

Cortisol's impact on glucose metabolism can lead to glucose intolerance or even diabetes in some individuals.