Endocrine System Quiz

Endocrine System Overview

• The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs in the human body that produce and secrete hormones.
• Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to tissues or organs, regulating and controlling many physiological processes.
• Hormone systems, in addition to controlling bodily functions, include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, and reproductive organs (ovaries in females and testes in males).

Major Endocrine Glands

• Pituitary gland: Located at the base of the brain, often referred to as the "master gland," controlling other endocrine glands, regulating growth, reproduction, and other gland function.
• Thyroid gland: Located in the neck, producing hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. These hormones control how quickly the body uses energy.
• Parathyroid glands: Four small glands located near the thyroid gland; they secrete parathyroid hormone, regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
• Adrenal glands: Located on top of the kidneys, producing hormones like cortisol for stress response/metabolism and adrenaline for "fight or flight" responses.
• Pancreas: Located behind the stomach; plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels producing insulin and glucagon to control glucose metabolism.
• Gonads: (testes in males, ovaries in females) responsible for producing hormones such as testosterone and estrogen involved in sexual development and reproductive functions.
• Pineal gland: Located in the brain, producing melatonin, regulating sleep-wake cycles.
• Hypothalamus: Serves as a vital link between the nervous and endocrine systems, regulating numerous physiological processes and maintaining homeostasis.

Diabetes

• Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high.
• It develops when the pancreas can't produce enough insulin or when the body doesn't respond properly to insulin.

Type 1 Diabetes

• Chronic autoimmune condition.
• Pancreas produces little to no insulin.
• Immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Requires lifelong insulin therapy.

Type 2 Diabetes

• Most common type.
• Body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough.
• Often associated with poor diet, lack of physical activity, and excess body weight.
• Symptoms may develop gradually or not at all.

Hyperglycemia

• High blood sugar levels (above 126 mg/dL fasting or 200 mg/dL random)
• Associated with diabetes or other conditions.
• Can be caused by inadequate insulin production or resistance, unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, stress, or illness.

Hypoglycemia

• Low blood sugar levels (below 70 mg/dL)
• Caused by diabetes medications, skipping or delaying meals, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, or medical conditions.
• Symptoms include sweating, pallor, irritability, hunger, weakness, headache, and loss of coordination.

Hyperthyroidism

• Overactive thyroid gland producing excessive thyroid hormones.
• Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, feeling shaky/nervous, weight loss, increased appetite, diarrhea, vision changes, and intolerance to heat.

Hypothyroidism

• Underactive thyroid gland producing insufficient or inadequate thyroid hormones.
• Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, constipation, hair loss, and decreased heart rate.

Hyperparathyroidism

• Overactive parathyroid glands producing too much parathyroid hormone (PTH).
• Causes high calcium levels in the bloodstream.
• Often caused by a non-cancerous growth (adenoma) or enlargement (hyperplasia) of the parathyroid glands.

Hypoparathyroidism

• Underactive parathyroid glands producing insufficient parathyroid hormone (PTH).
• Low calcium levels in the blood.

Addison's Disease

• Rare, life-threatening condition where adrenal glands don't produce enough steroid hormones (cortisol and aldosterone).
• Usually caused by an autoimmune disorder.
• Symptoms vary but include extreme fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, salt cravings, and hyperpigmentation.

Pheochromocytoma

• Rare tumor that develops in the adrenal glands.
• Produces excessive adrenaline and noradrenaline.
• Symptoms include high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, headaches, sweating, tremors, anxiety, weight loss.

Adrenal Gland Disorders

• Problems with the adrenal glands
• The adrenal glands are responsible for making hormones and catecholamines.
• The adrenal cortex produces mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), glucocorticoids (cortisol), and adrenal androgens (DHEA, testosterone).

Cushing Syndrome

• High levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
• This can be caused by long-term glucocorticoid use or a tumor.
• Symptoms include upper body obesity, a "buffalo hump," a round face, thin extremities, easy bruising, and stretch marks.

SIADH versus DI

• SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone) is characterized by the body retaining excessive water.
• DI (Diabetes Insipidus) is characterized by the body losing excessive water.

Neuropathy

• General term for any disease or dysfunction of the nervous system.
• Can affect nerves controlling movement, sensation, and organ function.
• Symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination.