Endocrine System Vocabulary Quiz

Endocrine System Vocabulary

• Adren/o, adrenal/o: Refers to adrenal glands which produce hormones vital for stress response and metabolic functions.
• Endocrino/o: Pertains to the endocrine system, a network of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
• Parathyroid/o: Refers to parathyroid glands, responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood.
• Pituitar/o: Denotes the pituitary gland, often called the "master gland," as it regulates other endocrine glands.
• Thyr/o, thyroid/o: Relates to the thyroid gland which controls metabolism and hormonal balance.

Key Terms and Conditions

• Acromegaly: Enlargement of extremities and facial features due to excess growth hormone production after puberty.
• Hyperglycemia: A condition characterized by excessive sugar in the blood, often related to diabetes.
• Hyperthyroidism: Overactivity of the thyroid gland seen in conditions like Graves Disease, resulting in rapid metabolism and weight loss.
• Hypothyroidism: Underactivity of the thyroid gland leading to symptoms like fatigue and weight gain.

Hormonal Conditions

• Addison Disease: Results from insufficient hormone secretions from the adrenal cortex, leading to weakness and weight loss.
• Cushing Syndrome: Caused by excessive cortisol production; symptoms include a "moon face" and abdominal fat accumulation.
• Ketoacidosis: A serious condition stemming from uncontrolled diabetes, where ketones accumulate in the absence of insulin.

Diagnostic Tests

• Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): Measures blood glucose levels after fasting for 8-10 hours to diagnose diabetes.
• Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU): Evaluates thyroid function and helps diagnose hyperthyroidism causes.
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Level (TSH): Assesses hormone levels to diagnose hypothyroidism and monitor treatment.

Diabetes Types

• Diabetes Insipidus (DI): Characterized by excessive thirst and urine production due to lack of antidiuretic hormone.
• Diabetes Mellitus Type 1: An autoimmune condition typically starting in childhood with insulin deficiency.
• Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: Often develops in middle age, associated with insulin resistance primarily in obese individuals.

Surgical Interventions

• Adrenalectomy: Surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands, often due to tumors or hyperactivity.
• Thyroidectomy: Excision of the thyroid gland, commonly performed in cases of hyperthyroidism or cancer.

Additional Conditions

• Tetany: Muscle spasms due to low calcium levels from parathyroid hormone deficiency.
• Goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may result from iodine deficiency or autoimmune disorders.
• Panhypopituitarism: Complete deficiency in pituitary hormones, impacting all endocrine functions.

Hormones and Regulation

• Hormones: Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands, influencing metabolism, growth, and tissue functions.
• Euglycemia: Refers to normal blood sugar levels, crucial for overall health.
• Metabolism: Encompasses all biochemical processes that sustain life within an organism.

Symptoms and Signs

• Poly/dipsia: Abnormal increase in thirst, often associated with diabetes.
• Exophthalmos: Abnormal protrusion of the eyeball, often seen in hyperthyroid conditions.
• Myxedema: Severe hypothyroidism in adults, causing facial puffiness and other systemic effects.

Summary of Endocrinology

• The endocrine system plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis through hormonal regulation.
• Diseases can arise from hormone deficiencies or excesses, impacting numerous bodily functions.
• Understanding key terms, conditions, and treatments is vital for navigating the complexities of endocrine health.