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Chapter 13 medical terminology
Endocrine system
107
Anatomy
Graduate
10/12/2009

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Term
endocrine system
Definition
includes glands (pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreatic, pineasl, thymus, testes, ovaries) that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream rather than a duct.
Term
Pituitary gland
Definition
pea sized organ located at the base of the brain. It is known as the master gland becuase it regulates many body activities and stimulates other glands to secrete their own specific hormones. Consists of anterior lobe adenohypophysis and posterior neurohypophysis.
Term
Anterior Pituitary Gland
Definition
Secrets Growth hormone (stimulates protein sysnthesis and promotes tissue and organ growth); Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates the thyroid to secrete its hormones, thyroxine t4 and triiodothyronine T3); Adrenocorticotropic hormone - ACTH = or corticotropin which stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete its steroid hromones like cortisol; Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH - stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in women and the production of speerm in the testes of men; Lutenizing hormone LH - gonadotropic hormones. In women, LH stimulates ovulation and the formation of a corpus luteum in the ovaries. In men, LH stimulates the interstitial Leydig cells of the testes to secrete testosterone. and Prolactin - stimulates milk production by the mammary glands after a baby is born.
Term
Posterior pituitary gland
Definition
secretes ADH - antidiuretic hormone aka vasopressin which acts on the kidneys to promote the retention of water so that less water is excreted in the urine. AND Oxytocin. In women, oxytocin stimulates contractions of the uterus during labor, and also stimulates contractions of the mammary ducts during latation, resulting in the milk-ejections reflex.
Term
Thyroid Gland
Definition
largest organ of the endocrine system. An H shaped organ located in the neck just below the larynx, this gland is composed of two large lobes that are separated by a strip of tissue called an istmus. Thyroid Hormone is the body's major metabolic hormone. TH increases the rate of oxygen consumption and thus the rate at which carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are metabolized. Th is actually two active iodine containing hormones, thyroxine T4 and triiodothyronine T3 - Thyroxine is the major hormone secreted by the thyroid; most triiodothyronine is formed at the target tissues by conversion of T4 to T3. Except for the adult brain, spleen, testes, uterus, and the thyroid gland itself, thyroid hromone affects virtually every cell in the body. TH also influences growth hormone and plays an important role in maintaining blood pressure.
Term
Parathyroid Glands
Definition
Consist of at least 4 separate glands located on the posterior surface of the lobes of the thyroid gland. Th only hormone known to be secreted by the parathyroid gland is parathyroid hormone (PTS) which helps to regulate calcium balance by stimulating three target organs: bones, kidneys, and intestines. Because of PTH, calcium and phospates are released from bones, increasing concentration of these substances in blood. Thus, calcium that is necessary for the proper functioning of body tissues is iavailable in the bloodstream. At the same time, PTH enhances the absorption of calcium and phosphates from foods in the intestine, causing a rise in blood levels of calcium and phosphates. PTH causes the kidneys to conserve blood calcium and to increase the excretion of phosphates in the urine.
Term
Adrenal Glands
Definition
paired organs covering the superior surface of the kidneys. Becaues of their location, the adrenal glands are also known as suprarenal glands. Each gland is divided into two sections which has its own structure and function. The outer cadrenal cortex makes up the bulk of the gland and the adrenal medulla makes up the inner portion, each secreting different hormones.
Term
Adrenal Cortex
Definition
Secretes 3 types of steroid hormones:
1. Mineralcorticoids: mainly aldosterone, anre essential to life. These hormones act mainly through the kidneys to maintain the balance of sodium and potassium (electrolytes) in the body. More specifically, aldosterone causes kidneys to conserve sodium and excrete potassium. At the same time, it promotes water conservation and reduces urine output.
2. Glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol, influence the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The glucocorticoid with the greatest activity is cortisol. It helps regulate the concentration of glucose in the blood protecting against low blood sugar levels between meals. Cortisol also stimulates the breakdown of fats in adipose tissue and releases fatty acids into the blood. The increase in fatty acids causes many cells to use relatively less glucose.
3. Sex hormones, including androgens, estrogens, and progestins, help maintain secondary sex characteristics such as development of the breasts and adult distribution of hair.
Term
Adrenal Medulla
Definition
Secretes epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (nonadrenaline). Both hormones are activated when the body responds to crisis situations and are considered sympathominmetic agents because they produce effects that mimic those brought about by the sympathetic nervous system. Epinephrine maintains blood pressure and cardiac output, keeping airways open wide, and raising blood glucose levels. All these funcitons are useful for frightened, traumatized, injured, or sick persons. Norepinephrine reduces blood vessel diameter in the periphery, thereby raising blood pressure.
Term
electrolytes
Definition
Mineral salts (sodium, potassium, and calcium) that carry an electrical charge in solution. A proper balance of electrolytes is essential to the normal functioning of the entire body.
Term
Glucagon
Definition
hormone produced by pancreatic alpha cells that increase the blood glucose level by stimulating the liver to change stored glycogen (a starch form of sugar) to glucose. Glucagon opposes the action of insulin and is used to reverse hypoglycemic reactions in insulin shock.
Term
Glucose
Definition
Simple sugar that is the end product of carbohydrate digestion. Glucose is the primary source of energy for living organisims.
Term
homeostasis
Definition
Relative constancy or balance in the internal environment of the body, maintained by processes of feedback and adjustment in response to external or internal changes.
Term
hormones
Definition
Chemical substances produced by specialized cells of the body that are released slowly in minute amounts directly into the bloodstream. Hormones are produced primarily by endocrine glands and are carried through the bloodstream to the target organ.
Term
Insulin
Definition
Hormone produced by pancreatic beta cells that acts to remove sugar(glucose) from the blood by promoting its storage in tissues as carbohydrates (glycogen)
Term
sympathomimetic
Definition
Agent that mimics the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are sympathomimetic hromones because they produce effects that mimic those brought about by the sympathetic nervous system.
Term
Target
Definition
Structure, organ, or tissue to which something is directed. In the endocrine system, a target is the structure, organ, or tissue on which a hormone exerts its specific effect.
Term
ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone)
Definition
Secreted by the Anterior Pituitary. Acts on the Adrenal cortex, promotes secretions of some hormones by adrenal cortex, especially cortisol. Disorders: Hyposecretion is rare. Hypersecretion causes Cusing disease.
Term
FSH (follicle sitmulating hormone)
Definition
Secreted by Anterior Pituitary: Acts on Ovaries, in females, stimulates egg production; increases secretion of estrogen. Acts on testes in males and stimulates sperm production. Disorders: Hypsecretion causes failure of sexual maturation. Hypersecretion has no known significant effects.
Term
GH (Growth Hormone)
Definition
Secreted by Anterior pituitary: Targets bone, cartilage, liver, muscle, and other tissues - stimulates somatic growth; increases use of fats for energy. Disorders: hyposecretion in children causes pituitary dwarfism. Hypersecretion in children causes gigantism; hypersecretion in adults causes acromegaly.
Term
LH (luteinizing hormone)
Definition
Secreted by anterior pituitary: acts on ovaries, promotes ovulation, stimulates production of estrogen and progesterone. IN men, acts on testes and promote secretion of testosterone. Disorders: Hyposecretion causes failure of sexual maturation. Hypersecretion has no known significant effects.
Term
Prolactin
Definition
Secreted by anterior pituitary: acts on breasts in conjuction with other hormones to promote lactation. Disorders: hyposecretion in nursing mothers causes poor lactation. Hypersecretion in nursing mothers causes galactorrhea.
Term
TSH - thyroid stimulating hormone
Definition
Secreted by anterior pituitary: acts on thyroid gland - stimulates secretion of thyroid hormone T4 and T3. Disorders: Hyposecretion in infants causes crtinism; hyposecretion in adults causes myxedema. Hypersecretion causes Graves disease, indicated by exophthalmos.
Term
ADH - antidiuretic hormone
Definition
stimulated by posterior pituitary: acts on Kidney to increase water reabsorption. Disorders: hyposecretion causes diabetes insipidus. Hypersecretion causes syndrome of inappropriate antidiurectic hormone (SIADH)
Term
oxytocin
Definition
secreted by posterior pituitary gland: acts on uterus to stimulate uterine contractions and initiate labor, and on the breast to promote milk secretion from the mammary glands. Disorders, unknown.
Term
Calcitonin
Definition
Thyroid hormone: regulates calcium levels in the blood in conjunction with parathyroid hormone. Secreted when calcium levels in the blood are high in order tomaintatini homeostasis. Disorders: The most significant effects are exerted in childhood when bones are growing and changing dramatically in mass, size and shape. At best, calcitonin is a weak hypoalcemic agent in adults.
Term
Thyroxine t4 and triiodothyroinine T3
Definition
Secreted by thyroid gland: increases energy production from all food types. Increases rate of protein synthesis. Hyposecretion in infants casues cretinism; hyposecretion in adults causes myxedema, hypersecretion causes Graves disease indicated by exophthalmos.
Term
PTH - parathyroid hormone
Definition
secreted by the parathyroid gland: targets bones to increase the reabsorption of calcium and phosphate from bone to blood
Kidneys: increases calcium absorption and phosphate excretion
Small intestine - increases absorption of calcium and phosphate. Disorders: Hyposecretion causes tetany. Hypersecretion causes osteitis fibrosa cystica.
Term
Glucocorticoids (mainly cortisol)
Definition
an Adrenal Cortex Hormone. Acts on body cells - promotes gluconeogenesis; regulates metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and help depress inflammatory and immune responses. Disorders: hyposecretion causes Addison disease. Hypersecretion causes Cushing syndrome
Term
Mineralcorticoids
Definition
Secreted by the Adrenal Cortex. Acts on the kidneys: increase blood levels of sodium and decrease blood levels of potassium n the kidneys. Hyposecretion causes Addison disease. hypersecretion causes aldosteronism.
Term
Sex hormones (any of the androgens, estrogens, or related steroid hormones produced by the ovaries, testes, and adrenal cortices.
Definition
Secreted by adrenal cortex. In females, possibly responsible for female libido and source of estrogen after menopause. Disorders: hypersecretion of adrenal androgen in females leads to virilism (development of male characteristics). Hypersecretion of adrenal estrogen and progestin secretion in males leads to feminization (development of feminine characteristics). Hyposecretion has no known significant effects.
Term
Epinephrine and norepinephrine (Adrenal Medullary Hormones)
Definition
Secreted by Adrenal medulla. Sympathetic nervous system target organs - hormone effects mimic sympathetic nervous system activation (sympathomimetic), increase metabolic rate and heart rate, and raise blood pressure by promoting vasoconstriction. Hyposecretion has no known significant effects. Hypersecretion causes prolonged fight or flight reaction and hypertension.
Term
Glucagon
Definition
secreted by pancreas. Targets liver and blood - raises blood glucose level by accelerating conversion of glycogen into glucose in the liver (glycogenolysis) and other nutrients into glucose in the liver (gluconeogenesis) and releasing glucose into blood (glycogen to glucose). Disorders: persistently low blood glucose levels - hypoglcemia - may be caused by deficiency in glucagon.
Term
Insulin
Definition
Tissue cells - lowers blood glucose level by accelerating glucose transport into cells and the use of that glucose for energy production (glucose to glycogen). Disorders; Hyposecreton of insulin causes diabetes mellitus. Hypersecretion causes hyperinsulism.
Term
Pancreas
Definition
lies inferior to stomach in bend of the duodenum. Functions as an exocrine and endocrine gland. A large pancreatic duct runs through the gland, carrying enzymes and other exocrine digestive secretions from the pancreas to the small intestine. The endocrine portion of the pancreas consists of groups of cells called islets of Langerhans. The islets secrete two distinct types of hormones includeing alpha cells that produce Glucagon and beta cells that produce insulin. Both hormones play important roles in carbohydrate metabolism. When blood glucose levels are low (hypoglycemia), glucagon stimulates the release of glucose from storage sites in the liver. Because the liver converts stored glycogen to glucose (glycogenolysis), the blood glucose level rises. The overall effect, therefore, is a rise in the blood glucose level. When blood glucose levels are high (hyperglycemia), the pancreatic beta cells are stimulated to produce insulin. This insulin production causes glucose to enter body cells to be used for energy and acts to clear glucose from the blood by promoting its storage as glycogen. Insulin and glucagon function antagonistically so that normal secretion of both hormones ensures a blood glucose level that fluctuates within normal limits.
Term
Pineal Gland
Definition
Attached to posterior part of the third ventricle of the brain. Secretes the hormone melatonin, inhibits activities of the ovaries. When melatonin production is high, ovulation is blocked and there may be a delay in puberty.
Term
adren/o
adrenal/o
Definition
adrenal glands
Term
calc/o
Definition
calcium
i.e. hypercalcemia: excessive calcium in the blood
Term
crin/o
Definition
secrete.
i.e. endocrinology
Term
gluc/o
glyc/o
Definition
sugar, sweetness.
i.e. glucogenesis
hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is usually caused by administration of too much insulin, excessive secretion of insulin by the islet cells of the pancreas, or dietary deficiency.
Term
home/o
Definition
same, alike.
i.e. homeostasis: state of equilibrium in the internal environment of the body
-stasis: standing still.
Term
kal/i
Definition
potassium (an electrolyte). kalemia: potassium in the blood
Term
thym/o
Definition
thymus gland
thymoma: tumor of the thymus gland. A thymoma is a rare neoplasm of the thymus gland. Treatment includes surgical removal, radiationtherapy, or chemotherapy.
Term
thyr/o
thyroid/o
Definition
thyroid gland
i.e. thyromegaly
hyperthyroidism.
Term
-crine
Definition
secrete.
i.e. endocrine: secrete within
Term
-dipsia
Definition
thirst.
i.e. polydipsia. excessive thirst. Polydipsia is one of the three polys (pholyphagia and polyuria) associated with diabetes.
Term
-gen
Definition
forming, producing, origin
androgen. any steroid that increases masculinization.
Term
-toxic
Definition
poison
i.e. thyrotoxic: pertaining to toxic activity of the thyroid gland.
Term
-uria
Definition
urine.
glucosuria. glucose in the urine.
Term
eu-
Definition
good, normal.
euthyroid. resembling a normal thyroid gland.
Term
exo-
Definition
outside, outward. Exocrine: secret outwardly
exocrine glands secrete their products outwardly through excretory ducts.
Term
hyper-
Definition
excessive, above normal.
i.e. hyperglycemia.
abnormally high blood glucose levels are found in patients with diabetes mellitus or those treated wiith drugs such as prednisone.
Term
hypo-
Definition
under, below
hyopinsulinism: characteristic of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Term
poly-
Definition
many, much
i.e. polyuria
some causes of polyuria are diabetes, use of diuretics, excessive fluid intake, and hypercalcemia.
Term
Pituitary disorders
Definition
related to hypersecretion or hyposecretion of growth hormone, which leads to body-size abnormalities. Abnormal variations of ADH secretion lead to disorders in the composition of blood and marked electrolyte imbalance.
Term
Thyroid Disorders
Definition
Thyroid gland disorders are common and may develop at any time during life. They may be the result of a developmental problem, injury, or dietary deficiency. One form of hypothyroidism that develops in infants is called cretinism. If not treated, this disorder leads to mental retardation, impaired growth, low body temperatures, and abnormal bone formation. Usually these symptoms do not appear at birth because the infant has received thyroid hormones from the mothers blood during fetal development. When hypothyroidism develops during adulthood, it is known as myxedema. The characteristics of this disease are edema, low blood levels of T3 and T4, weight gain, cold intolerance, fatigue, depression, muscle or joint pain, and sluggishness.
Term
Hypersecretion of T4 and T3
Definition
Graves disease. characterized by elevated metabolic rate, abnormal weight loss, excessive perspiration, muscle weakness, and emotional instability. Also, eyes protrude (exopthalmos) becase of edematous swelling in the tissues behind them. At the same time, the thyroid gland is likely to enlarge, producing goiter.

Toxic goiter: may occur because of excessive release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Overstimulation by TSH causes thyroid cells to enlarge and secrete extra amounts of hormones. Treatmetn for hyperthroidism may involve drug therapy to block the production of thyroid hormones or surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. Another mehtod for treating this disorder is to administer a sufficient aount of radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid secretory cells.
Term
Parathyroid disorders (insufficient)
Definition
Hypoparathyroidism: insufficient production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) caused by primary parathyroid dysfunction or elevated blood calcium levels. This condition can result from an injury or from surgical removal of the glands, sometimes in conjunction with thyroid surgery. Primary effect of hypoparathyroidism is a decreased blood calcium level. Decreased calcium lowers the electrical threshold, causing neurons to depolarize more easily, and increases the number of nerve impulse, resulting in muscle twitches and spasms (tetany)
Term
Parathyroid Disorders (Excess)
Definition
Hyperparathyroidism: excessive production of PTH, caused by a benign tumor. The increase in PTH leads to demineralization of bones (osteitis fibrosa cystica_ making them porous (osteoporosis) and highly susceptible to fracture and deformity. When this condition is the result of a benign glandular tumor (adenoma) of the parathyroid, the tumor is removed. Treatment may also include orthopedic surgery to correct severe bone deformities. Excess PTH also caluses calcium to be deposited in the kidneys. When the disease is generalized and all bones are affected, this disorder is known as von REcklinghausen disease. Renal symptoms and kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) may also develop.
Term
Adrenal gland disorders
Adrenal Cortex
Definition
Addison disease: a relatively uncommon chronic disorder caused by a deficiency of cortical hormones, results when the adrenal cortex is damaged or atrophied. Atrophy of the adrenal glands is probably the result of an autoimmune process in which circulating adrenal antibodies slowly destroy the gland. The gland usually suffers 90% destruction before clinical signs of adrenal insufficiency appear. Hypofunction of the adrenal cortex interferes with the body's ability to handleinternal and external stress. In severe cases, the disurbance of sodium and potassium metabolism may be marked by depletion of sodium and water through urination, resulting in severe chronic dehydration. Other clinical manifestationis include muscle weakness, anorexia, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, hypoglycemia, hypotension, low blood sodium (hyponatremia) and high serum potassium (hyperkalemia). If treatment for this condition begins early, usually with adrenocortical hromone therapy, the prognosis is excellent.
Term
Adrenal cortex disorders
Cushing Syndrome
Definition
Cluster of symptoms produced by excessive amounts of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH_ or both, circulating in the blood. Causes include: long-term admin of steroid drugs (glucocorticoids) in treating such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and asthma; adrenal tumor resulting in excessive production of cortisol. Cusing disease, a pituitary disorder caused by hypersecretion ACTH from an adenoma in the anterior pituitary gland.. Cushing syndrome alters carbohydrate and protein metabolism and electrolyte balance. Overproduction of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids causes blood glucose concentration to remain high, depleting tissue protein. In addition, sodium retention causes increased fluid in tissue that leads to edema. These metabolic changes produce weight gain and may cause structural changes such as moon face, grossly exaggerated head and trunk, and pencil thin arms and legs. TOehr symptoms include fatigue, high blood pressure, and excessive hair growth in unusual places (hirtusim) especially in women. Tx goal is to restore serum cortisol to normal levels. Tx varies and may necessitate radiation, drug therapy, surgery, or a combo of these methods
Term
Adrenal Medulla
Definition
Medullary tumors sometimes cause hypersecretion, i.e. neoplasm pheochromocytoma, which produces excessive amounts of epi and norepi. Most of these tumors are encapsulated and benign. These hypersecretions produce hbp, rapid heart rate, stress, fear, palpitations, headaches, visual blurring, muscle spasms, and sweating. Typical treatment consists of antihypertensive drugs and surgery.
Term
Pancreatic Disorders:
Diabetes
Definition
general term used alon refers to diabetes mellitus - chronic metabolic disorder of impaired carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism due to insufficient production of insulin or the body's inability to utilize insulin properly. when body cells are deprived of glucose, they begin to metabolize proteins and fats. As fat is metabolized, ketones are produced and enter the blood, causinig a condition called ketosis. Hyperglycemia and ketosis are responsible for the host of troubling and commonly life-threatening symptoms of diabetes mellitus. Insulin is an essential hormone that prepares body cells to absorb and use glucose as an energy source. when insulin is lacking, sugar does not enter cells, but returns to the bloodstream with a subsequent rise in its concentration, sugar spills into the urine and is expelled from the body (glucosuria)along with electrolytes, particularly sodium. Sodium and potassium losses result in muscle weakness and fatigue. Because glucose is unavailble to cells, cellular starvation results and leads to hunger and an increased appetite (polyphagia).
Type 1 diabetes: usually diagnosed in children and young adults... body does not produce sufficient insulin to maintain a normal level of glucose in the blood.
Type 2 diabetes: most common. onset typically later in life. Risk factors: family hx of diabetes and obesity. Body is deficient in producing sufficient insulin or the body's cells are resistant to insulin action in target tissues. Hyperglycemia that results may cause cell starvation, and over time, may damage the kidneys, eyes, nerves, or heart. Treatment for type 2 diabetes includes exercise, diet, weight loss, and if needed, insulin or oral antidiabetic agents.

Complicatoins: type 1 = diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), diabetic coma caused by too little insulin, failure to follow a prescribed diet, physical or emotional stress, or undiagnosed diabetes. Secondary complications = diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy necessitating hemodialysis or renal transplantation.

Gestational diabetes may occur in women who are not diabetic but develop during pregnancy, often resolves after childbirth.
Term
Pancreatic cancer
Definition
most carcinomas of the pancreas arise as epithelial tumors (adenocarcinomas_ and make their pressence known by obstruction and local invasion. Becasue the pancreas is richly supplied iwth nerves, pain is a prominent feature of pancreatic cancer, whether it arises in the head, body, or tail of the oragn. Prognosis is porrt..... unknown etiology, but smoking, exposure to occupational chemicals, diet high in fats, and heavy coffee intake are associated with an increased incidence of pancreatic cancer.
Term
Pituitary tumors
Definition
gnereally non malignant, s/s = weight changes, intolerance to heat or cold, headache, blurred vision, and commonly personality changes, dementia, and seizures.
Term
Thyroid carcinoma
Definition
predisposing factors = radiation, prolonged TSH stimulation, familia disposition, and chronic goiter. usually begins with painless hard nodule or nodule in the adjacent lymph nodes accompanied with an enlarged thyroid. When the tumor is large, it typically destroys thyroid tissue which results in symptoms of hypothyroidism. Sometimes the tumor stimulates the production of thyroid hormone, resulting in symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Tx includes surgical removal, radiation or both.
Term
Acromegaly
Definition
Chronic metabolic disorder characterized by a gradual, marked enlargement and thickening of the bones of the face and jaw. Acromegaly afflicts middle-aged and older persons and is caused by overproduction of growth hormone (GH). Treatment includes radiation, pharmacological agents or surgery, which commonly involves partial resection of the pituitary gland.
Term
diuresis
Definition
Increased formation and secretion of urine. Diuresis occurs in such conditions as diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, and acute renal failure. Alcohol and coffee are common diuretics that increase formation and secretion of urine.
Term
Glucagon
Definition
Hormone secreted by the pancreatic alpha cells. Glucagon increases the blood glucose level by stimulating the liver to change stored glycogen to glucose. Glucagon opposes the action of insulin. It is used as an injection in diabetes to reverse hyopglycemic reactions and insulin shock.
Term
Glucose
Definition
simple sugar that is the end product of carbohydrate digestion. Gulcose is found in many foods, especially fruits, and is a major source of energy. The determination of blood glucose levels is an important diagnositic test in diabetes and other disorders.
Term
Glycosuria
Definition
Presence of glucose in the urine or abnormal amount of sugar in the urine.
Term
Graves disease
Definition
Multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by pronounced hyperthyroidism usually associated with enlarged thyroid gland and exophthalmos (abnormal protrusion of the eyeball)
Term
hirsutism
Definition
Excessive distribution of body hair, especially in women. Hirsutism in women is usually cuased by abnormalities of androgen production or metabolism.
Term
Hypercalcemia
Definition
Excessive amount of calcium in the blood
Term
Hyperkalemia
Definition
Excessive amount of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia is most commonly a result of defective renal excretion of potassium.
Term
Hypervolemia
Definition
Abnormal increase in the volume of circulating fluid (plasma) in the body. Hypervolemia commonly results from retention of large amounts of sodium and water by the kidneys. S/S = weight gain, edema, dyspnea, tachycardia, and pulmonary congestion.
Term
hyponatremia
Definition
Abnormal condition of low sodium in the blood
Term
insulinoma
Definition
Tumor of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas
Term
obesity
Definition
excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body's skeletal and physical standards, usually an increase of 20 percent or more above ideal body weight. Obesity may be due to excessive intake of food (exogenous) or metabolic or endocrine abnormalities (endogenous).
Morbid obesity: BMI of 40 or greater which is generally 100 or more pounds over ideal body weight. Morbid obesity is a disease with serious psychological, social, and medical ramifications and one that threatens necessary body functions such as respiration.
Term
panhypopituitarism
Definition
Total pituitary impairment that brings about a progressive and general loss of hormonal activity.
Term
pheochromocytoma
Definition
small chromaffin cell tumor, usually located in the adrenal medulla.
Term
thyroid storm
Definition
Crisis of uncontrolled hyperthyroidism caused by the release into the bloodstream of increased amount of thyroid hormone, also called thyroid crisis, or thyrotoxic crisis. Thyroid storm may occur spontaneously or be precipitated by infection, stress, or thyroidectomy performed on a patient who is inadequately prepared with antithyroid drugs. Thyroid storm is considered a medical emergency, and if left untreated, may be fatal.
Term
virile
Definition
masculine or having characteristics of a man
Term
virilism
Definition
masculinization in a woman or development of male secondary sex characteristics in a woman
Term
exopthalmometry
Definition
Test that measures the degree of forward displacement of the eyeball (exopthalmos) as seen in Graves disease. The test is administered with an instrument called an exophthalmometer, which allows measurement of the distance from the center of the cornea to the lateral orbital rim.
Term
fasting blood glucose
Definition
test that measures blood glucose levels after a 12 hour fast
Term
glucose tolerance test (GTT)
Definition
test that measures the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates by administering a standard dose of glucose and measuring glucose levels in the blood and urine at regular intervals. GTTis commonly used to help diagnose diabetes or other disorders that affect carbohydrate metabolism.
Term
insulin tolerance test
Definition
test that determines insulin levels in serum (blood) by administerng insulin and measuring blood glucose levels in blood at regular intervals. In hypoglycemia, glucose levels may be lower and return to normal more slowly.
Term
protein bound iodine (PBI)
Definition
Test that measures the concentration of thyroxine in a blood sample. The PBI test provides an index of thyroid activity
Term
Thyroid function test (TFT)
Definition
Test that detects an increase or decrease in thyroid function. The TFT measures levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine T3 and thyroxine T4
Term
total calcium
Definition
Test that measures calcium to detect bone and parathyroid disorders. Hypercalcemia can indicate primary hyperparathyroidism; hypocalcemia can indicate hypoparathyroidism.
Term
computed tomography (CT)
Definition
Imaging technique that rotates an x-ray emitter around the area to be scanned and measure the intensity of transmitted rays from different angles. In a CT scan, the computer generates a detailed cross-sectional image that appears as a slice. CT scan is used to detect disease and tumors in soft body tissues, such as the pancreas, thyroid, and adrenal glands, and may be used with or without a contrast medium.
Term
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Definition
Noninvasive imaging technique that uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field rather than an x-ray beam to produce multiplanar cross-sectional images. MRI is the method of choice for diagnosing a growing number of diseases because it provides superior soft-tissue contrast, allows multiple plane views and avoids the hazards of ionizing radiaiton. MRI is used to identify abnormalities of pituitary, pancreatic, adrenal, and thyroid glands.
Term
Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU)
Definition
Administration of radioactive iodine (RAI) orally or intravenously IV as a tracer to test how quickly the thryoid takes up iodine from the blood. Results of the radioactive iodine uptake test are used to determine thyroid function.
Term
Thyroid scan
Definition
After injection of a radioactive substance, a scanner detects radioactivity and visualizes the thyroid gland. Thyroid scanning is used to identify pathological formations such as nodules and tumors.
Term
Microneurosurgery of the pituitary gland
Definition
Microdissection of a tumor using a binocular surgical microscope for magnification
Term
parathyroidectomy
Definition
Excision of one or more of the parathyroid glands, usually to control hyperparathyroidism
Term
pinealectomy
Definition
removal of the pineal body
Term
thymectomy
Definition
excision of the thymus gland
Term
thyroidectomy
Definition
excision of the thyroid gland. Thyroidectomy si performed for goiter, tumors, or hyperthyroidism that does not respond to iodine therapy and antithyroid drugs. Partial thyroidectomy: method of choice for removing a fibrous, nodular thyroid. Subtotal : removal of most of the thyroid to relieve hyperthyroidism.
Term
Antidiuretics
Definition
Reduce or control excretion of urine (i.e. vasopressin - Pitressin, Pressyn)
Term
Antithyroids
Definition
Treat hyperthydroidism by impeding the formation of T3 and T4 hormone. (Antithyroids are administered in preparation for a thyroidectomy and in thyrotoxic crisis. (i.e. methimazole - Tapazole, strong iodine solution- Lugol's solution)
Term
Corticosteroids
Definition
Replace hormones lost in adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease). Corticosteroids are also widely used to suppress inflammation, control allergic reactions, reduce rejection in transplantation, and treat some cancer (i.e. cortisone - Cortisone acetate; hydrocortisone - A-Hydrocort, Cortef)
Term
Growth Hormone replacements
Definition
Increase skeletal growth in children and growth hormone deficiencies in adults. Growth hormones increase spinal bone density and help manage growth failure in children. I.e. Somatropin (recombinant)- Humatrope, Norditropin
Term
Insulins
Definition
Lower blood glucose by promoting its entrance into body cells and converting glucose to glycogen (a starch-storage form of glucose). Insulin links with an insulin receptor on the cell membrane, and transports glucose inside the cell where it is metabolized. Type 1 diabetes must always be treated with insulin. Insulin can also be administered through an implanted pump which infuses the drug continuously. Type 2 diabetes that cannot be controlled with oral antidiabetics may require insulin to maintain a normal level of glucose in the blood.
Term
Oral Antidiabetics
Definition
Treat type 2 diabetes mellitus by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin and decrease peripheral resistance to insulin. Antidiabetic drugs are not insulin and they are not used in treating type 1 diabetes mellitus. (i.e. glipizide - Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL; glyburide - DiaBeta, Glynase)
Term
Thyroid supplements
Definition
replace or supplement thyroid hormones. Each thyroid supplement contains T3 or T4 or a combination of both. Thyroid supplements are also used to treat some types of thyroid cancer (i.e. levothyroxine, Levo-T, levoxyl, Synthroid - liothyronine -Cytomel, Triostat)
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