Endocrine System Quiz

Endocrine System Overview

• The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs that produce and secrete hormones
• Hormones act as chemical messengers, travelling through the bloodstream to target tissues or organs
• They regulate and control many physiological processes

Major Endocrine Glands

• Pituitary gland: Located at the base of the brain, often called the "master gland", controlling other endocrine glands. It regulates growth, reproduction, and other gland functions
• Thyroid gland: Situated in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development
• Parathyroid glands: Four small glands near the thyroid that regulate calcium and phosphate levels
• Adrenal glands: Located on top of the kidneys, regulating stress response and metabolism (cortisol) and the "fight or flight" response (adrenaline)
• Pancreas: Located behind the stomach, controlling blood sugar levels. Produces insulin and glucagon
• Gonads: Reproductive glands (ovaries in females, testes in males). Produce hormones like estrogen and testosterone, essential for reproduction and sexual development
• Pineal gland: Located in the brain, produces melatonin, regulating sleep-wake cycles
• Hypothalamus: Acts as a vital link between the nervous system and endocrine system. Regulates numerous physiological and maintains homeostasis

Endocrine System Functions

• The endocrine and nervous systems work together to coordinate and regulate activities of organs and tissues throughout the body

Diabetes

• Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels (glucose)
• It's caused when the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or the body can't effectively use the insulin
• This leads to an accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream
• Leads to various health complications if left untreated

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune disease. The body's immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Requires lifelong insulin therapy
• Type 2 diabetes: A condition where the body doesn't use insulin properly either because the body doesn't produce enough insulin or cells don't respond properly to the insulin. Can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes and medications

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Recurring infections

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

• Increased frequency and volume of urination
• Increased hunger
• Tingling, numbness, or pain in the feet or hands
• Sores, cuts, and bruises that are slow to heal
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Sudden weight loss

Glucose Regulation

• Insulin is responsible for regulating blood glucose levels after eating
• Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, lowering blood glucose levels
• Insulin also helps store excess glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles

Hyperglycemia

• High blood sugar resulting from inadequate insulin production or resistance
• Causes may include skipping/inadequate doses of insulin, unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, stress, or illness

Hypoglycemia

• Low blood sugar due to skipping meals, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, or medical conditions
• Causes can include inadequate insulin dosages, skipping/delaying meals or excessive exercise

Hyperthyroidism

• Thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormones
• Overactive thyroid
• Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid heartbeat, feeling shaky and/or nervous, weight loss, increased appetite, diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, vision changes, thin, warm and moist skin, and menstrual changes

Hypothyroidism

• Thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones
• Underactive thyroid
• Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, sensitivity to cold, decreased heart rate, hair loss, thinning hair, brittle nails, and menstrual irregularities

Hyperparathyroidism

• Overactive parathyroid gland
• Excessive parathyroid hormone production
• Leads to high calcium levels, and can cause multiple health issues

Hypoparathyroidism

• Underactive parathyroid gland
• Insufficient parathyroid hormone production
• Leads to low calcium levels, resulting in various symptoms

Addison's Disease

• Primary adrenal insufficiency
• Adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, like cortisol and aldosterone
• Symptoms are often gradual and vague and can include extreme fatigue, weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, salt cravings, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain, hyperpigmentation, irritability, depression, loss of body hair, and irregular periods in women

Pheochromocytoma

• Rare tumor that develops in the adrenal glands
• May cause excessive production of adrenaline and noradrenaline
• Symptoms include high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, headaches, sweating, tremors, anxiety, weight loss, palpitations, flushing, and chest pain

Adrenal Gland Disorders

• Groups of problems affecting the adrenal glands
• Adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys, producing hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, adrenal androgens, which regulate sodium/potassium balance, metabolism and stress response

Cushing Syndrome

• High levels of cortisol in the body
• Symptoms include weight gain, especially in the face and upper body, a rounded face (moon face), thin arms and legs, a hump on the upper back (buffalo hump), skin that bruises easily, and slow healing wounds

SIADH vs DI

• SIADH: Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion, characterized by the body retaining too much water
• DI: Diabetes Insipidus, characterized by the body not retaining enough water

Neuropathy

• Neuropathy is a general term for any condition that affects the nerves. It can be caused by various factors like injury, infections, toxins, metabolic disorders, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, pain, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination